Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Landscape Dynamics in Shimoga, Tier II City, Karnataka State, India

Urbanisation and associated growth patterns (urban sprawl) are characteristic of spatial temporal land use changes taking place at regional levels. Unplanned urbanization and consequent impacts on natural resources including basic amenities has necessitated the investigation and understanding of mechanisms and dynamics of land use and land-use change on a range of spatial scales and evaluate the environmental consequences of these changes at the landscape scale. Rapid urbanization subsequent to globalization in Karnataka state show dominant changes in land use during the last two decades. Urban regions are getting urbanized at much faster rates while peri-urban areas are experiencing sprawl. These processes have negative impacts on natural resources, economic health, and community characteristics. Quantitative estimations of urbanisations patterns are required to help local and regional land use planners to better identify, understand and provide appropriate infrastructure and basic amenities. Multi-temporal remote sensing data would help in understanding land cover and land use changes. A combination of land cover, land use dynamics with gradient analysis and spatial metrics, would help in characterizing spatiotemporal patterns of landscape dynamics. This communication is based on the analysis of urbanization process and landscape fragmentation of a tier II city in Karnataka. Supplementary data including historical maps, qualitative data have also been used to understand the urbanization process and fragmentation patterns. Spatial metrics aided in characterizing long-term trends and patterns of urban growth. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of spatial results helped in visualizing the pattern of growth, in order to highlight future land use trends. The results of the analysis shows of dispersed growth initially causing increased fragmentation. Gradually the growth filled in vacant non-urban area, resulting in more compact or aggregated urban pattern. Improved understanding of urban growth, helps in effective and suitable regional planning.