The application of geospatial technology to urban morphological research

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of geospatial technology in recent years and its use and potential use in urban morphology. Such technology has been enabled by the rapid advancement in computer technology in both hardware and software. Remote sensing, photogrammetry and GIS are particularly important and suitable for use in urban morphological research. The availability of geospatial data in digital form has facilitated town-plan analysis and metrological analysis. Three-dimensional GIS allows the form and function of a town or city to be realistically visualized. Urban simulation is also possible with geospatial data, thus enhancing understanding of the processes of growth of a city and the associated built forms.