Urban Type Classification and Characteristic Analysis through Time-Series Environmental Changes for Land Use Management for 31 Satellite Cities around Seoul, South Korea

The objective of the present study was to determine changes in land coverage for 31 satellite cities surrounding Seoul and changes in values of MSPA (Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis) for a time period of about 30 years (from 1988 to 2018). Cities that showed similar environmental changes were grouped utilizing a hierarchical cluster analysis. The results of this study are summarized as follows: First, as a result of analyzing changes in land coverage, urbanized areas in all 31 cities greatly increased, whereas areas of forest, grassland, farmland, wetland, etc., greatly decreased. Second, as a result of carrying out MSPA for green areas in each city, the number of Cores, Islets as stepping-stone green areas, and Branches greatly decreased. As a result of analyzing factors in cluster analysis, 12 variables were classified into four groups. After performing a cluster analysis, the 31 cities were classified into six clusters. Cluster-6 showed the biggest decrease in wetland areas. These results could be used as basic data for establishing differentiated environmental policies for clusters of cities that show similar environmental changes, and for establishing policy priorities that break away from uniform environmental policies at the local level.

Automated summary

The study aimed to analyze changes in land coverage and MSPA values for 31 satellite cities surrounding Seoul over a 30-year period. Results showed significant increase in urbanized areas and decrease in green areas such as forest and wetlands. Cluster analysis grouped the cities into six clusters, with Cluster-6 experiencing the largest decrease in wetland areas. These findings can provide a basis for tailored environmental policies and priorities at the local level.