Urban expansion and its environmental impact: A Remote Sensing approach

Keywords: Geospatial Analysis,Land Use Monitoring,Land Use Suitability,Urban Expansion
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

In a world of rapid urban expansion, monitoring land use and understanding its environmental impact are more critical than ever. This study employs a remote sensing approach to analyze three decades of urban growth in two key cities in Romania. Using open-access Earth Observation and Geographic Information System data, this long-term analysis captures the transformative impacts of urban development in the region. By tracking and interpreting urban dynamics, the methodology provides insights into the expansion of artificial surfaces, their spatial distribution, and how they unfold over time. Furthermore, a suitability analysis was conducted to assess potential areas for urban development. The model incorporated several factors, including land cover types, population density, and topography, as well as environmental constraints such as tree cover density and vegetation health to evaluate the feasibility of sustainable urban expansion. These findings offer valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of urban growth and provide essential guidance for informed land use planning and decision-making. By analyzing growth patterns from a spatial perspective, this research reveals the extent of urban sprawl and its environmental implications, underscoring the need for continuous land-use observation to inform policies for resilient urban development.