Remote Sensing and Spatial Metrics – A New Approach for the Description of Structures and Changes in Urban Areas

This study introduces and evaluates a new methodology using information on image spatial form (spatial metrics) to describe structures and changes in urban land use. The metrics were calculated for segmented areas of homogenous urban land use structure derived from digitally classified color infrared aerial photographs. The results indicate a useful description and separation of three urban land use types: commercial development, high-density residential and low density residential and demonstrate the capabilities of this technique the represent urban growth. This technique has a potential to provide data for several urban application that should be explored and evaluated in future research activities.