URBAN GROWTH PROCESS OF GREATER KANDY DEVELOPMENT AREA: AN INVESTIGATION OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE SCENARIOS OF GROWTH PATTERN

Abstract

The purpose of conducting this study is to identify present and past spatiotemporal growth patterns of urban expansion in the Greater Kandy Development Area (GKDA). In addition, a comprehensive definition to detect he urban area by interacting with several geospatial data was developed.Specifically, Landsat images, nighttime light data, carbon data, population grid data, and schools, hospitals, and roads data were employed. Data demonstrated that the dynamic pattern of urbanization in GKDA resulted in progressive growth in built-up regions while lowering non-built-up areas. A high concentration of built-up areas along the road is vital by showing ribbontype urban growth. Based on the developed definition, Aluth Pallekale and Madawala GNDs can be identified as "emerging urban nodes" in the area.