Abstract JSSP

GIS Integration Model of Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI). The Case of Paris Metropolitan Area

Mărgărit-Mircea NISTOR*1,2, Alexandru Sabin NICULA**2,3, Ionel HAIDU4, Ioan SURDU2, Iulius-Andrei CAREBIA5, Dănuţ PETREA6
* Corresponding author
** Equal contribution with the corresponding author
1 Earth Research Company, Department of Geoengineering, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA
2 Romanian Academy, Centre of Mountain Economy of the National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kiriţescu”, Bucharest, ROMANIA
3 Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA
4 University of Lorraine, LOTERR Laboratory, Metz, FRANCE
5 German European School, SINGAPORE
6 Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Department of Physical and Technical Geography, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA
E-mail: renddel@yahoo.com
Pages: 39-48

Abstract. Territorial sustainability is often related to the land cover and local resources. Land cover data are used more than other remote sensing and digital photography methods for determining and analysing the information collected from a certain region. However, having the dynamic evolution of urban areas in developed countries, such methods and indicators should be considered in order to assess their development directions and sustainability. Between 1990 and 2012, Paris Metropolitan Area (PMA) recorded increases in urban land due to the continuous expansion of the built-up area. In this study, we proposed to calculate the Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI) by using a GIS procedure, incorporating the land cover of PMA for two reference years (1990 and 2012). Six indicators were selected for the PMA territory based on which the City Index was calculated. Two correction factors, namely the Environmental Capacity of Development and the Land Restriction for Development, were defined in order to develop the MASI of PMA. High MASI values were found in the north-central, southern, and western parts of the PMA, while lower values were identified in the peripheral areas. This study suggests that the proposed method is reliable for the territorial sustainability assessment. The methodology and original maps represent useful tools for future urban planning in large cities.

K e y w o r d s: land cover, Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI), urban sustainability index, Paris Metropolitan Area, GIS, development indicators








			GIS Integration Model of Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI). The Case of Paris Metropolitan Area Mărgărit-Mircea NISTOR1,2, Alexandru Sabin NICULA*2,3, Ionel HAIDU4, Ioan SURDU2, Iulius-Andrei CAREBIA*5, Dănuţ PETREA6 Corresponding author ** Equal contribution with the corresponding author 1 Earth Research Company, Department of Geoengineering, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA 2 Romanian Academy, Centre of Mountain Economy of the National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kiriţescu”, Bucharest, ROMANIA 3 Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA 4 University of Lorraine, LOTERR Laboratory, Metz, FRANCE 5 German European School, SINGAPORE 6 Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Department of Physical and Technical Geography, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA E-mail: renddel@yahoo.com Pages: 39-48 Abstract. Territorial sustainability is often related to the land cover and local resources. Land cover data are used more than other remote sensing and digital photography methods for determining and analysing the information collected from a certain region. However, having the dynamic evolution of urban areas in developed countries, such methods and indicators should be considered in order to assess their development directions and sustainability. Between 1990 and 2012, Paris Metropolitan Area (PMA) recorded increases in urban land due to the continuous expansion of the built-up area. In this study, we proposed to calculate the Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI) by using a GIS procedure, incorporating the land cover of PMA for two reference years (1990 and 2012). Six indicators were selected for the PMA territory based on which the City Index was calculated. Two correction factors, namely the Environmental Capacity of Development and the Land Restriction for Development, were defined in order to develop the MASI of PMA. High MASI values were found in the north-central, southern, and western parts of the PMA, while lower values were identified in the peripheral areas. This study suggests that the proposed method is reliable for the territorial sustainability assessment. The methodology and original maps represent useful tools for future urban planning in large cities. K e y w o r d s: land cover, Metropolitan Area Sustainability Index (MASI), urban sustainability index, Paris Metropolitan Area, GIS, development indicators