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 developing 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 the existing social infrastructure to meet the growing needs emanating from urbanization, pose a major challenge for governments, with Pakistan 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 undergone 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 to another and it is necessary to study such phenomenon for appropriate urban planning. Urban growth can be mapped, measured and modeled by using remote sensing data and GIS techniques along with several statistical measures. The outcome of this study gives a difference between the proposed 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 this purpose, master plan prepare and then implemented to achieve better results like economic development, utilities services and to make a better cities for living.