31Oct 2015

Monitoring urban evolution between 1975 and 2015 using GIS and remote sensing technics: case of Laayoune City (Morocco)

  • Geomatic and Environment Laboratory, Department of Geology University Hassan II/Faculty of Science Ben M’sik- Casablanca
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This paper presents an integrated study of urbanization trends in Lâayoune City, Lâayoune Province of Morocco, by using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technics. The study explores the temporal, spatial characteristics and annual growth rate (AGR) of urban expansion from 1975 to 2015. Temporally, urban expansion shows fast and slow growth stages, with direction of growth, generally, to the east side of the city. The spatial patterns of urban growth can be categorized into four types: demographic migration intervention type, security intervention type, socioeconomic intervention type and normal urban growth type. Lastly, the major factors influencing urban expansion change are also discussed. In general, the population, commerce, industrialization, and security are the major factors that influenced the urban expansion.


[Y.MAKBOUL, M.HAKDAOUI , A.GHAFIRI , S.ELMOUTAKI (2015); Monitoring urban evolution between 1975 and 2015 using GIS and remote sensing technics: case of Laayoune City (Morocco) Int. J. of Adv. Res. 3 (Oct). 331-342] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com


MAKBOUL YACINE