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The use of LIDAR point clouds for spatial analysis of changes in building development in large housing estates. An example of the Widzew Wschód and Radogoszcz Wschód estates in Łódź

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  • Jasion-Krzysztofik Angelika

    (University of Lodz, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism and Geoinformation, Kopcińskiego Street 31, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Jaskulski Marcin

    (University of Lodz, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism and Geoinformation, Kopcińskiego Street 31, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Szafrańska Ewa

    (University of Lodz, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism and Geoinformation, Kopcińskiego Street 31, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Jażdżewska Iwona

    (University of Lodz, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism and Geoinformation, Kopcińskiego Street 31, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

Urban densification can have various consequences. To identify and interpret these, spatial analyses of changes in the built environment over a specific period are needed. This article investigates the use of LIDAR point cloud data to detect changes in development in two large pre-fabricated housing estates in Łódź, Poland. Developed during the socialist era, these estates have undergone spatial and functional transformations over the past decades. The study uses LIDAR data from 2012, 2017, and 2021, supplemented with orthophotos, Google Street View, and fieldwork conducted in 2023 to identify and verify changes in development. The analysis included classification of point-cloud data, conversion to raster and subtraction of rasters to detect new and demolished buildings. The results show a clear trend to increase the density of buildings in both estates, with more than 11,000 m² of new built-up area added in each case. New developments include residential, commercial and service and communication facilities, often replacing open spaces or previously undeveloped areas. The study confirms that the LIDAR point cloud is a valuable tool for detailed detection of changes in various urban objects. Analyses based on this type of data can serve as a monitoring function. It also highlights the need to integrate historical data to capture earlier stages of transformation and suggests including development analysis in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Jasion-Krzysztofik Angelika & Jaskulski Marcin & Szafrańska Ewa & Jażdżewska Iwona, 2026. "The use of LIDAR point clouds for spatial analysis of changes in building development in large housing estates. An example of the Widzew Wschód and Radogoszcz Wschód estates in Łódź," Environmental & Socio-economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 14(2), pages 12-23.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:enviro:v:14:y:2026:i:2:p:12-23:n:1002
    DOI: 10.2478/environ-2026-0010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adam Bielecki & Krzysztof Będkowski, 2024. "The Use of Socio-Environmental Indicators to Assess the Needs Relating to the Development of Urban Greenery," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-27, October.
    2. Eliza Szczerek, 2021. "The Problem of Densification of Large-Panel Housing Estates upon the Example of Cracow," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-23, December.
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