The integration of GIS and remote sensing techniques for urban morphology : a case study of Georgetown, Pulau Pinang

Abstract

This study analyses the potential applications of geospatial technology for urban planning research in urban morphology. Urban morphology is the study of the form of human settlements and the process of their formation and transformation. It is an approach in designing urban form that considers both physical and spatial components of the urban structure. The study was conducted in Georgetown, Penang purposely main to identify the evolution of urban morphology and the land use expansion using remote sensing imagery and geographical information system (GIS) techniques. Three components of urban morphology, namely building plots, street layout and open spaces with four series of temporal satellite Spot J in years 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2014, and Georgetown land use map 2011 were used in determining the transformation of the study area and detecting an expansion of land use development using change detection technique. Three types of land uses were classified, namely build-up areas, un-built and water bodies showed a good accuracy with achievement above 85%. The result shows that built-up area significantly increased due to the rapid development in an urban area and the evolution of urban morphology components also transformed. Finally, this study clearly demonstrates the relationship between urban planning and geospatial applications in creating sustainable and resilient city, and future urban governance as well.