Investigation of Spatial Determinants of Urban Growth Dynamics in Eight Indian Metropolitan Cities

Urban growth dynamics in developing nations, with a particular focus on India, present considerable challenges and opportunities for the discipline of urban planning. This research utilized an advanced methodology to analyze the interconnections of spatial determinants affecting urban growth dynamics. The present study offers an integrative perspective by systematically incorporating multiple spatial determinants not previously examined in the Indian metropolitan context. This holistic approach enables a more nuanced understanding of how spatial factors collectively shape urban growth, moving beyond conventional linear assessments to incorporate nonlinear interactions using machine-learning techniques such as the random forest technique and Google Earth Engine. The study finds that built morphology, building height, elevation, and distance from politically significant locations are the primary factors influencing urban expansion. Furthermore, it reveals that proximity to city centers and nearby trading cities also plays a critical role in shaping urban growth patterns. Analysis indicates a significant decline in the influence of city centers as urbanization progresses, suggesting that growth dynamics are increasingly decentralized. The research highlights the importance of accounting for spatial autocorrelation and scale effects, which are crucial for understanding the complexity of urban dynamics. By integrating spatial metrics and sophisticated data analysis techniques, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how spatial determinants affect urban growth trends. The findings offer valuable insights for city planners, emphasizing the need for strategic planning that considers these spatial factors to mitigate the adverse effects of uncontrolled urban growth. Moreover, the study addresses the existing gap in research concerning urban growth determinants in India, contributing to knowledge development in urban studies. This study contributes valuable insights into urban planning and serves as a guiding framework for future urban management and policy development.