Differences in the driving mechanisms of urban spatial expansion between resource-based and non-resource-based cities in China

Abstract

[Objective] The aim of this study was to reveal the differences in the driving mechanisms of land expansion between resource-based cities and non-resource-based cities, which could provid references for the formulation of land use policies for the two types of cities. [Methods] Based on a research framework for the differences in driving mechanisms of land expansion in these two types of cities, 273 prefecture-level and above cities were selected as research samples, with data from 2003 to 2020. Comparative analysis, urban expansion intensity index, and panel regression model were used to explore the differences in the spatial expansion driving mechanisms of these cities. [Results] The results show that: (1) From 2003 to 2020, the built-up area of both types of cities showed a trend of expansion, and the average expansion speed of resource-based cities was lower than that of non-resource-based cities. From the perspective of development stage, the expansion speed of resource-based cities showed a trend of growth>mature>regenerative>exhausted type; From the perspective of resource endowment types, the expansion speed of non-metallic, non-ferrous, and oil and gas cities was faster than the average level of resource-based cities. (2) There are differences in the driving mechanisms of spatial expansion between the two types of cities. The population size, transportation development level, investment in science and technology, and environmental quality have a stronger driving effect on the spatial expansion of resource-based cities; The level of economic development, industrial structure, and resource endowment have a stronger driving effect on the spatial expansion of non-resource-based cities.(3) There are differences in the driving mechanisms of spatial expansion in resource-based cities at different stages of development. The level of transportation development and investment in technology have a stronger driving effect on growth- oriented cities; The level of economic development has a stronger driving effect on mature cities; The driving force of environmental quality on declining and regenerative cities is stronger. [Conclusion] The average expansion speed of resource-based cities in China is slower than that of non-resource-based cities; The population size, transportation development level, investment in science and technology, and environmental quality，the level of economic development, industrial structure, and resource endowment are primary factors driving the spatial expansion of cities. Different driving mechanisms are identified for the expansion of the two types of cities and among different types of resource-based cities.

Keywords

• urban expansion|resource-based cities|driving mechanism|panel regression model|china