Geospatial Analysis of Urbanization: Insights for Regional Development Planning in Kazakhstan

Urbanization serves as a crucial driver of socio-economic progress and plays a pivotal role in shaping regional development strategies. In Kazakhstan, official statistics report an urbanization rate exceeding 65%, highlighting the nation's urban potential. However, these figures rely on outdated classification frameworks, neglecting advancements in geospatial technology and international standards. Such oversights distort the real urbanization landscape, undermining the precision of development policies.This study employs geospatial analysis, incorporating satellite imagery and the "Degree of Urbanization" methodology, to reassess Kazakhstan's urbanization levels. Initial findings suggest that the actual urbanization rate is closer to 46%, a substantial deviation from official statistics. This paper aims to provide an accurate depiction of urbanization in Kazakhstan, identify discrepancies in current methodologies, and propose data-driven recommendations to enhance regional planning and sustainable development practices. The findings underscore the importance of geospatial tools in addressing structural imbalances and optimizing resource distribution across regions.