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Morphological and Functional Polycentric Urbanization in Colombo Metropolitan of Sri Lanka Using Time-Series Satellite Images from 1988–2022

Author

Listed:
  • H. P. U. Fonseka

    (Department of Earth Resource Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
    Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

  • H. M. R. Premasiri

    (Department of Earth Resource Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

  • S. P. Chaminda

    (Department of Earth Resource Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

  • Hongsheng Zhang

    (Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China)

Abstract

Examining urban growth in metropolitan areas from both morphological and functional perspectives is paramount for sustainable development in developing and developed countries. As a collaborative and critical approach, polycentrism operates concurrently at local, regional, and national levels. However, the decentralized morphologies and functional attributes of polycentric urban spaces are yet to be adequately explored, despite their significant influence on sustainable urban planning and management. Colombo, the only metropolitan area in Sri Lanka, has experienced considerable yet ambiguously imbalanced spatial growth due to insufficient data. This study employed time-series satellite imagery from 1988 to 2022, in conjunction with a network model, to elucidate Colombo’s uneven urban patterns, while achieving an accuracy of over 80% throughout the period. The results revealed that the metropolis has evolved into a polynuclear city, complicating the identification of centers and their corresponding developmental stages. Nevertheless, the study successfully pinpointed the morphological and functional Grama Niladhari divisions, disclosing the morphological features of centralized dispersion and the functional traits of decentralized concentration. These insights provide significant implications for local government, guiding urban planning initiatives to achieve sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • H. P. U. Fonseka & H. M. R. Premasiri & S. P. Chaminda & Hongsheng Zhang, 2024. "Morphological and Functional Polycentric Urbanization in Colombo Metropolitan of Sri Lanka Using Time-Series Satellite Images from 1988–2022," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7816-:d:1473669
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    References listed on IDEAS

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