Geographical analysis

Abstract

Abstract Belgaum city in recent past has experienced a rapid urbanization. This study mapped urban land expansion in Belgaum using Pan+LISS III, Toposheets and Cadasterial maps data of 2010, 2008, 1980 and 1970 and analyzed the growth of population during the respective years. The results show that Belgaums urban land increased by 94.08 Sq Kms, of which 80.8% occurred during 1970-2001, a perfect positive correlation between the population growth and physical expansion can be seen. The studies showed that urban expansion had been largely driven by demographic change, economic growth, and changes in land use policies and regulations.

Key Words: Urbanization, Population Growth, Spatial expansion, Change analysis