Using GIS-Based Spatial Analysis: Comparing Pattern of Urbanization and Transportation Networks

The expansion of urban areas has continued and been a part of urbanization process. According to current research, transportation plays a key role as a critical infrastructure to facilitate urbanization. This study prompts the concern of whether the development of infrastructure, particularly in transportation, is compatible with urban development. Pathumthani province was selected to be a representative suburban area due to urbanization process of capital city. Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) is an area that supports the expansion of the Bangkok in terms of growth in multi aspects (economics, industry, education, society, and culture). More immigrants have settled outside the city and known as an urban sprawling phenomenon. However, it was found insufficient transport infrastructure investment in suburban areas, thus the objectives of this study are to examine land use changes to understand the pattern of urban expansion and to analyze the relationship between transport infrastructure investment and urban expansion. By using the Geographic Information System (GIS) data in a transport infrastructure map, the overlaying technique was applied to compare the spatial direction of urban expansion. Pathum Thani was selected as a study area. The results show that most of the urban area expands into the area alongside the transportation network, especially Phaholyothin road. The major highway demonstrates its potential on level of connectivity to a variety of residential and employment zones. When compared with three dimensions, it was discovered that the growth in terms of social, economic, and environmental dimensions corresponds to the expansion of urban-based on statistical data in the study area. When considering infrastructure development, it was found the density of infrastructure investment increased in Mueang Pathum Thani District and Khlong Luang District. Although most of the infrastructure investment areas are proximity to centers of economic activity, there is still a paltry amount of infrastructure investment overall.