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Delineating rigid and elastic coupled urban growth boundaries to constrain spatial sprawl: A case study in central urban area of Zhengzhou, China

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  • Jingeng Huo
  • Zhenqin Shi
  • Wenbo Zhu
  • Yanhui Yan
  • Hua Xue

Abstract

Urban development model is transitioning from disorderly sprawl to compact growth. In this process, urban growth boundary (UGB) is important for preventing excessive spatial expansion and optimizing land use structure. However, few existing studies have focused on delineation strategies that integrate both rigid and elastic UGBs. Taking Zhengzhou as a case study, we developed a framework for delineating rigid and elastic UGBs involving identification of basic farmland and ecological protection zone, evaluation of land suitability, and multi-scenario simulation of urban development. The results showed that urban space increased significantly by 210.56Â km 2 from 2000 to 2020, which posed risks of imbalanced land use structure. Identified basic farmland and ecological protection zone covered 41.99Â km 2 and 57.68Â km 2 , respectively. Their scope was prohibited for urban construction and was used as guidance to delineate rigid UGB, which covered 712.21Â km 2 . Sustainable development scenario was considered as dominant paradigm for urban development. Therefore, it was used as guidance to delineate elastic UGB, which covered 595.55Â km 2 . These findings confirm the effectiveness of a delineation strategy that combines rigid and elastic UGBs in maintaining ecological security and constraining spatial sprawl. Additionally, technical references for delineating UGB are provided for cities facing compact growth demands.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingeng Huo & Zhenqin Shi & Wenbo Zhu & Yanhui Yan & Hua Xue, 2026. "Delineating rigid and elastic coupled urban growth boundaries to constrain spatial sprawl: A case study in central urban area of Zhengzhou, China," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 53(3), pages 555-570, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:53:y:2026:i:3:p:555-570
    DOI: 10.1177/23998083251343146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaojiang Xia & Yue Zhang & Xiaona Shi & Jian Chen & Tiechuan Rao, 2022. "Simulation of Dynamic Urban Growth Boundary Combining Urban Vitality and Ecological Networks: A Case Study in Chengdu Metropolitan Area," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Tan, Ronghui & Xu, Shuxian, 2023. "Urban growth boundary and subway development: A theoretical model for estimating their joint effect on urban land price," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    3. Zhou, Ting & Yang, Xi & Ke, Xinli, 2022. "Delimitation of urban growth boundaries by integratedly incorporating ecosystem conservation, cropland protection and urban compactness," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 468(C).
    4. Jingeng Huo & Zhenqin Shi & Wenbo Zhu & Xin Chen & Hua Xue & Ran Ma & Yanhui Yan, 2022. "Delineation of the Development Boundary of the Central District of Zhengzhou, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Suzuki, Takafumi, 2021. "Capitalization of local government grants on land values: Evidence from Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
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