Analysis of small urban spatial expansion based on SLEUTH model: Taking Xinxiang city, Henan province of China as an example

Based on SLEUTH urban growth model and Technology of GIS and RS, the process of urban growth of Xinxiang City from 1989 to 2009 was simulated, and the process of urban growth from 2010 to 2050 was predicted. The result illuminated that SLEUTH model had a credible accuracy, and it could well describe Xinxiang city´s extension to the southeast as a whole during 20-year period. The city´s area increased linearly with time and formed an expansion trend in which the downtown area was the main body, and several satellite towns formed a delegation-style development from both east and west sides respectively. It would be helpful to understand the mechanisms of urban growth on theoretic and practice and also provide a theoretical basis for the government to make policy.