Integrating Cellular Automata for Predicting Urban Expansion: A Case Study of Bavdhan, Sus, and Mahalunge

Volume: 12 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Town Planning and Management
Received Date: 10/30/2025
Acceptance Date: 03/03/2026
Published On: 2026-03-20
First Page: 51
Last Page: 62

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By: Ar. Sakshi Mahadik and Meera Shirolkar.

1. Research Scholar, Department of Architecture, Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), College of Architecture, Pune, Maharashtra, India
2. Professor, Department of Architecture, Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Rapid Urban Expansion in the metropolitan cities like Pune, result in indiscriminate land use changes transforming natural landscapes. Such haphazard spatial development poses a risk to depletions of resources along with the disarray of the ecological system. A proactive approach to predicting and analyzing such changes is necessary in promoting the well-managed growth of cities. For the complex nature of urban growth, simulation method is used for analyzing spatial patterns, evaluating future scenarios, and aiding urban planning decisions. Bavdhan, Sus, and Mahalunge, which lie towards the western side of Pune and are witnessing significant urbanization are selected for the study. This research investigates the use of Cellular Automata (CA) urban growth modeling for simulating and anticipating urban expansion by calibrating the model against previous development patterns and testing it using real-world data in the selected suburbs. Cellular Automata – CA integrates various urban growth parameters of spatial dynamics viz Land Use Classification, regression Transition Probability Matrices and spatial dependency factors to simulate urban sprawl process close to the reality. CA-based simulation is used in combination with GIS data, remote sensing satellite images and land use classification to Markov chains, machine learning and socio-economic methodologies for predictive urban modelling. Socio-economic and policy driven factors are incorporated that influence urban expansion to enhance prediction. The findings highlight expanding urban hotspots, infrastructure stress areas, and emerging environmental concerns. The outcomes will contribute to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of dynamics of spatial & temporal urban development, facilitating data driven land-use planning that ensures harmony between environment and infrastructural development. These findings will offer urban planners and policymakers a data-driven framework for reducing unregulated growth and optimizing zoning restrictions.

Keywords: Cellular automata, environmental concerns, land use change, predictive modeling,

urban expansion

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Citation:

How to cite this article: Ar. Sakshi Mahadik and Meera Shirolkar Integrating Cellular Automata for Predicting Urban Expansion: A Case Study of Bavdhan, Sus, and Mahalunge. International Journal of Town Planning and Management. 2026; 12(01): 51-62p.

How to cite this URL: Ar. Sakshi Mahadik and Meera Shirolkar, Integrating Cellular Automata for Predicting Urban Expansion: A Case Study of Bavdhan, Sus, and Mahalunge. International Journal of Town Planning and Management. 2026; 12(01): 51-62p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijtpm/article=25224

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