Monitoring Urbanization and Comparison with City Master Plans using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of Lahore District, Pakistan

Abstract

Urbanization Growth, one of the core issue in the developing countries, has negative impacts on the cities. The rapid urbanization has become a common phenomenon for de veloping countries across the globe. This, according to popular notions especially among economists, is a good sign because rapid urbanization indicates economic development. According to the UN -Habitat, half of humanity now lives cities, and that the urban population will increase to 60% within next two decades. For developing countries, experiencing rapid urbanization, the inability of t he existing social infrastructure to meet the growing needs emanating from urbanization, pose a major challenge for governments, with P akistan as no exception. Lahore as the capital of Punjab Province and as the 2 nd largest city of Pakistan is the largest growth pole and u ndergone rapid urbanization, infrastructure and social transformation. In this study detect the changes of urban sprawl and urban growth in Lahore district. Urban growth starts from a small point and after that it spreads in different directions. The growth pattern varies from one urban place t o another and it is necessary to study such phenomenon for appropriate urban planning. Urban growth can be mapped, measured and modeled by using remot e sensing data and GIS tec hniques along with several statistical measures. The outcome of this study gives a difference between the propos ed land use in the master plan and existing land use. To overcome this rapid urbanization, need a detailed strategic development planning and effective master planning. For t his purpose, master plan prepare and t hen implement ed to achieve better results like economic development, utilities services and to make a better cities for living.