Characteristics of urban expansion in the northeastern traditional industry base during 1980s–2008: An analysis based on remote sensing images

Along with the central government launched the plan to revitalize the northeastern traditional industry base in recent years, the urban size, shape, and urban cluster systems in this region have undergone tremendous changes, which impact the residents´ lifestyle and their life quality directly. Thus the awareness of the process of urban expansion is of great significance for healthy and sustainable development. Landsat TM/ETM and CBERS CCD images during 1980s-2008 are used to trace the long term urban expansion of 7 major cities in the northeastern traditional industry base, involving three provincial capital cities(Shenyang, Changchun and Harbin), an open coastal cities(Dalian), a heavy industrial city(Qiqihar) and two resource-based industrial cities(Jilin and Fuxin). Urban expansion intensity and fractal dimension are calculated to indicate the expansion process characteristics. The impact of urban expansion on the other land nearby was quantified.