The use of satellite images for urban planning : a case study from Karachi, Pakistan
Bertaud, Marie-Agnes
Satellite images provide a useful planning tool to monitor the growth of large and small cities. No country can afford to update its maps at the same pace that development and land use changes occur. The largest cities of the industrial world share this same problem with the mega cities of the developing world. Maps are often out of date before they are distributed. Land use maps do not correspond to zoning, and more often, recently constructed roads and new developments have not been reported and are not located on maps. When planning new developments or monitoring urban images, satellite images can provide the information necessary to focus on the environmental problems and the need for new infrastructure. Previous studies have shown that satellite images are valuable tools for urban planning purposes. The improved resolution of the latest generation of remote sensing satellite-based systems, "SPOT", offers even more promise. Satellite images can be used in the preparation of base maps and thematic land use maps at a scale of 1:25,000. Road maps can also be traced from satellite images. The road base map can be integrated with other urban networks such as water supply, sewerage, etc. Computerized urban information systems can be easily updated and shared with other planning agencies. Having access to the same information will permit better coordination among public and private groups that provide urban services to urban dwellers.
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