Correlating Urban Intensity Index and Landscape Metrics: A Study of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration Using the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression Model

Abstract

Urbanization has significant implications for landscape structure and ecosystem functioning, necessitating an in-depth understanding of landscape pattern changes to ensure future sustainability and effective urban planning. This study investigates the spatial dynamics of landscape patterns in the Kolkata Urban Agglomeration through the lens of urban expansion intensity (UEI) and built-up growth rate. To quantify the spatial relationships and the magnitude of their influence on landscape patterns, we apply the multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model. The results indicate that newly developed areas are more fragmented due to the rapid transformation from natural ecosystems to built-up areas. The MGWR analysis further reveals that UEI significantly explains the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of landscape metrics across the region. This quantitative analysis provides valuable insights into ecological landscape patterns, offering essential implications for understanding urban expansion dynamics and for developing urban policies aligned with sustainability goals.