| Abstract: |
As the urban population increases, so do diverse urban problems and concerns including issues of servicing large numbers of people within existing infrastructures, as a result of over-development and over-concentration. Environmental problems, particularly air and water pollution, have become more evident and are now considered central issues for urban planners and decision-makers. To address these environmental problems, practical approaches which incorporate the concept of carrying capacity into managing urban development, are needed. This research aims at developing an integrated framework for assessing urban carrying capacity which can determine development density based on current infrastructures and land use. First, seven determining factors were identified for urban carrying capacity including energy, green areas, roads, subway systems, water supply, sewage treatment, and waste treatment, and the assessment framework was developed by integrating such factors. Secondly, the Urban Carrying Capacity Assessment System, a GIS-based carrying capacity assessment system, was developed based upon the framework. Finally, through a case study for determining the carrying capacity for an area in Seoul, South Korea, it was revealed that decision support with UCCAS demonstrated in this research can play a pivotal role in planning and managing urban development more effectively. |
