Urban Dynamics: Land Use Change in the Chesapeake Bay Drainage Basin

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with universities and other agencies is developing several temporal databases which document human-induced land transformations in large metropolitan areas. These databases utilize a combination of historic maps and satellite images in conjunction with digital line graphs (DLG), digital elevation models and local land use maps in their development. USGS's rich archive of topographic maps and Landsat satellite data inspired this research.

Temporal land characterization develops a historical perspective of urban development by combining a variety of data sources into an integrated, multi-scale, and multi-resolution database. The database provides the baseline information to model and predict regional patterns of urbanization and other land use changes. Temporal land characterization relies on modern mapping techniques, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), to capture information from both historical and modern records. The database highlights the profound changes to the landscape that have incrementally developed over time.

Computer animation is used effectively to illustrate the database and emphasize the impact of incremental urban growth. The primary goal of temporal urban mapping is the development of a database that accurately references changing geographical features which researchers and modelers can use as a tool in meaningful scientific inquiry.

Changes in Urban or Built-up Land

Changes in Agricultural Land

Changes in Forest Land

Images and Animations

Geographic Analysis

Metadata Documentation

Publications