Changes in Land Plot Morphology Resulting from the Construction of a Bypass: The Example of a Polish City

Abstract

Road development projects are expansive and they exert a significant impact on the environment, landscape, spatial planning, and land management. In this study, we developed a research hypothesis that analysis of the shape factor of plots can be the basis for determining the factors affecting the level of urbanization. This article evaluates changes in the spatial structure of plots resulting from the construction of a city bypass. The proposed method is based on a morphological analysis of plots located in the vicinity of the motorway lane. In the next steps, lines located at a distance of 400 m and 800 m from the beltway were determined and then shape indicators were determined for the plots cut by these lines. The analysis confirmed the change in the shape of the plots, along with the distance from the beltway. Plots located further from the bypass of the city had smaller areas and the aspect ratio was similar for plots intended for development. The proposed method allows us to identify spatial effects occurring after entering a suburban road. The method should be used at the design stage of the beltway and not at the stage of impact assessment after its construction. This will allow for maintenance of a coherent spatial policy at the interface between urban and rural areas. At the same time, the study of changes in the morphology of plots allows earlier identification of urban processes.