Characterizing Informal Settlement Dynamics Using Google Earth Engine and Intensity Analysis in Durban Metropolitan Area, South Africa: Linking Pattern to Process

The growing population in informal settlements expedites alterations land use and cover (LULC) over time. Understanding the patterns processes of landscape transitions associated with settlement dynamics rapidly urbanizing cities is critical for better understanding consequences, especially environmentally vulnerable areas. study sought to map systematically analyze growth patterns, processes, as well LULC Durban Metropolitan area, from 2015 2021. applied an object-based image classification on PlanetScope imagery within Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Further, intensity analysis approach was utilized quantitatively investigate inter-category at category transition levels. Thus far, no conversion areas South Africa has exploited both GEE approaches. results suggest spatial a total net gain 3%. Intensity level revealed that were actively losing gaining area period, yearly loss 72% 54%, correspondingly, compared uniform 26%. While avoided water bodies studied there observed systematic process between other urban land. Government policy initiatives toward upgrading housing could be attributed settlements. This illustrates efficacy enhancing comprehension changes, which aids decision making suitable plans area.