Spatial Association of Urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta, China

Abstract

China is urbanizing rapidly, but current research into the spatiotemporal characteristics of urbanization often ignores the spatial and evolutionary associations of cities. Using the theory of spatial polarization and diffusion, together with a systematic analysis method, this study examined the spatial development process of urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China during 1995–2015. Results showed clear patterns in the scale and hierarchy of regional urbanization. Shanghai ranked first as the regional growth pole, while Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou ranked second. The spatial linkage index of urbanization showed that 10 cities (including Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou) constituted the densest spatial linkage network. The diffused area often became spatially polarized before the polarization then weakened as a new diffusion stage developed. The study also revealed that the spatial correlation urbanization differences in the YRD generally decreased. The polarization index revealed increasing spatial integration and correlation of urbanization in the YRD. This study proved that each city had a different spatial role in relation to other cities during different stages of development. Investigation of the driving mechanism of regional urbanization indicated that industrial modernization and relocation within the region provided the main endogenous driving force for the formation of spatial polarization or diffusion. Our research provides important scientific support for regional development planning. Furthermore, our analysis of the impact of spatial correlation within cities or a region could provide an important reference in relation to the regional environment and public health.

Decline in Environmental Quality and Spatial Dynamics of New City Area Development Metropolitan Mamminasata, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

“…This research was carried out from March to October 2021. The selection of the study location was based on the following considerations: (1) The development characteristics of the new city area of Moncongloe-Pattalassang contribute to the spatial dynamics and urban transportation system of the Mamminasata Metropolitan; (2) The allocation of developed space affects the characteristics of the surrounding rural areas; and (3) the development activities that are developed have an impact on the socio-economic changes of the community and the degradation of environmental quality. The spatial utilization of the new city area is presented in Table 1 below.…”

“…BKi land use bio-capacity i (ha), LPLi land use area i (ha), 0.88 is a constant (12% of which is used to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity, FPi is the factor of production and "JP" is the total population (people). Notes: (1) if DDB value>1, it means BKr > JEr in a condition of surplus, where the ecosystem is able to support the people who live in it = BKr -JEr > 0, (2) if DDB<1, means BKr < JEr that there is an overshoot condition, where the ecosystem is not able to support the people who live = BKr -JEr < 0. Furthermore, optimal land and population requirements use the following formulation:…”

“…Urbanization in the dynamics of the development of large and metropolitan cities in addition to having an impact on increasing population and pressure on space, also affects the availability of land and urban spatial dynamics. Urbanization is a driving force for spatial diffusion, increasing space requirements, and ecosystem complexity towards changes in the metropolitan urban structure [1][2][3]. The expansion of urban areas through the development of new urban areas has an impact on the conversion of productive agricultural land and shifts in the socio-economic status of the community.…”

“…The land used for development is 4,300 ha. The functions of urban activities developed include: (1) Housing and settlements occupying an area of 3,100 ha; (2) Commercial and service areas occupy an area of 50 ha; (3) Infrastructure development utilizes an area of 35 ha; and (4) Preparation of development land area of 800 ha. The allocation of built space in addition to having an impact on spatial dynamics also affects the socio-economic conditions of the suburban area community.…”

“…The allocation of built space in addition to having an impact on spatial dynamics also affects the socio-economic conditions of the suburban area community. Thus, the urgency of this research is focused on three important things, namely: (1) The effect of land conversion in the new city area on environmental quality degradation; (2) The complexity of spatial use and integration of urban systems has an impact on increasing traffic volume and population mobility based on the pattern of origin and destination of travel; and (3) Area expansion for the development of new cities has an impact on the utilization of water catchment areas and reduction of land cover. This study offers management of urban area development based on environmental pollution control and improvement of environmental quality and carrying capacity towards the sustainability of metropolitan suburban areas.…”