Conclusion

The combined and integrated application of remote sensing, spatial metrics, and Shannon’s entropy represents an innovative approach for the study of spatiotemporal change of urban forms. This paper has presented a detailed analysis of 40 years of spatial growth pattern analysis for tier II cities of Karnataka incorporating six different spatial metrics. Three different metrics represent specific spatial and temporal dynamics of urban form. All metrics have shown their sensitivity to the overall urban growth pattern in the study area. The change of urban form shows a period of urban sprawl and diffuse growth during 1990’s and 2000. After 2000, especially towards 2010, spatial complexity declined as most of the urban areas grew more compact through sprawling urban patches. This analysis would help the planners and administrators to visualise the growth and plan the cities efficiently and sustainably.