Research on different urban growth types has been mainly
methodological. Information derived solely from maps of urban
growth types is incapable of describing the spatial temporal details
of urban pattern dynamics. Each of the three urban growth types
is generated by a specific urban growth process, which may lead
to different environmental impact. Therefore, characterizing the
changing pattern and trend of urban growth types over time is
essential for monitoring and alleviating ecological consequences
caused by urban growth and urban sprawl (Luck and Wu, 2002).