Form Submission: Participation Entry

Research Day Entry

Big Data Analysis on Montane Geography and Urban Development in Nepal

Xinyi Li
Nepal is home to about 30 million people and is undergoing rapid urbanization due to population growth, tourism, migration, infrastructure construction, and urban-favored policies. However, as a montane ecosystem, Nepal is vulnerable as it is tectonically unstable, ecologically fragile, and economically underdeveloped. This study tested three hypotheses about how montane geography correlates with urban settlements' spatial pattern and intensity in Nepal with ArcGIS and regression models. This study discovered that (1) 81% of urban settlements are on valley floors (gradient < 3°) than slopes; (2) slope gradient and soil type are correlated with urban intensity while slope aspect is not; (3) Cambisols, especially Eutric and Ferralic ones are more suitable for urban settlements than others. This quantitative study on the urbanization process in Nepal will help to assist hazard management decision-making with a data-driven approach and to inform urban policies that guide Nepal towards a less vulnerable future.