Socioeconomic factors were the most important driving force, except during the period of 1972e1984. In
addition, the effects of these driving factors on urban expansion varied with time. The magnitude of the
unique effects of physical factors and neighborhood factors declined while that of socioeconomic factors
increased along with the urbanization process. The findings of this study can help us better understand
the process of urban expansion and thus have important implications for urban planning and
management in Beijing and similar cities.his expansion.