Integrative Approaches to Understanding Gauteng’s Evolving Urban and Post-Mining Landscape: A GIS-Based Analysis of Socio-Environmental Dynamics

Keywords: landscapes, integration, GIS, socio-environmental challenges, visualisation
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

This study is based on the tenet that some of the socio-environmental challenges faced by the 'urban landscape' of Gauteng, South Africa, result from a lack of understanding of Gauteng as more than an urban landscape–as a post-mining landscape or a combination of urbanisation and post-mining. The study argues that a contextual and holistic understanding of the Gauteng landscape is required to better anticipate socio-environmental and economic shifts within the region. Employing a GIS framework to integrate contemporary and historical characteristics of post-mining and urban landscapes and using a mixed-methods approach—combining spatial data, local expert surveys, and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA)—the research interrogates the intersections between these landscapes. The findings reveal shared characteristics between post-mining and urban landscapes. Spatial integration of these characteristics, using three GIS techniques—fuzzy overlay, weighted overlay, and random forest classification—further shows the co-existence of landscape characteristics, particularly at the urban core of the Gauteng province, challenging their traditional representation as distinct. Findings from the spatial analysis demonstrate how different methods shape the spatial representation of this landscape and provide insights into complex socio-environmental dynamics. These findings emphasize the importance of local knowledge and exploratory methods in expanding conventional characterisations, revealing that landscape boundaries are dynamic and context-dependent. This framework offers a forward-looking approach to managing socio-environmental challenges, providing tools to navigate transitions by aligning spatial data with planning and policy efforts. It highlights the need for integrative methods and stakeholder engagement to anticipate change and manage uncertainty within Gauteng’s evolving urban landscape.