Spatial differentiation and morphologic characteristics of China’s urban core zones based on geomorphologic partition

Min Zhao; Weiming Cheng; Chenghu Zhou; Manchun Li; Nan Wang; Qiangyi Liu

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.11.016041

29 March 2017 Spatial differentiation and morphologic characteristics of China’s urban core zones based on geomorphologic partition

Min Zhao, Weiming Cheng, Chenghu Zhou, Manchun Li, Nan Wang, Qiangyi Liu

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 11, Issue 1, 016041 (March 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.016041

Abstract

Based on a previous study that used the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light images to partition different types of night-lit areas within individual cities, 456 urban core zones in China, representing highly developed areas in 2012, were extracted. Then, several morphologic indices were selected for characterizing for each urban core zone, and the spatial differentiation and morphologic characteristics of urban core zones located within different geomorphologic regions in China were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that urban core zones were most widely distributed in the eastern region comprising hilly plains, with a decreasing distribution trend from northeast to southwest, and the least distribution was in the Tibetan Plateau. The contours of most of these zones appeared to be relatively simple and compact, and evidenced seven shapes. Regions at lower altitudes with flat terrains were more likely to demonstrate a wide range of urban core zones, especially those with complex shapes. This study represents a preliminary effort toward the construction of an interactive coupling mechanism for urban and geomorphologic environments (e.g., altitude, relief of land surface, geomorphologic types, geomorphologic region). Its findings contribute to enhancing understanding of the spatial morphologic characteristics of highly developed areas in China.

Citation Download Citation

Min Zhao, Weiming Cheng, Chenghu Zhou, Manchun Li, Nan Wang, and Qiangyi Liu "Spatial differentiation and morphologic characteristics of China’s urban core zones based on geomorphologic partition," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 11(1), 016041 (29 March 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.016041

Received: 12 December 2016; Accepted: 13 March 2017; Published: 29 March 2017

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available