Urban Expansion

Urban Expansion

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center - Earthshots

Main Content

Shanghai is expanding in every direction. The city is growing in a similar pattern to other cities around the world. Its population gain is mostly in suburban and exurban areas.

Between 1997 and 2008, developed land increased by 219.5%, most of it converted from former cropland. That developed land includes more than just housing. Industry and colleges have also moved to the urban fringe because of more space and lower land prices. The Landsat images show this noticeable increase of development.

Imagery

Apr. 23, 1984, Landsat 5 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Aug. 11, 1989, Landsat 5 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Aug. 12, 1995, Landsat 5 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Sept. 18, 2000, Landsat 7 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
July 19, 2004, Landsat 5 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Sept. 19, 2009, Landsat 5 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Nov. 4, 2014, Landsat 8 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Aug. 24, 2017, Landsat 8 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
July 29, 2019, Landsat 8 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Apr. 29, 2021, Landsat 8 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Apr. 8, 2022, Landsat 9 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
Apr. 27, 2023, Landsat 9 (path/row 118/38,39) — Shanghai, China
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