Abstract:
Landscape change is a dynamic and natural phenomenon. Although, there are many methods to study and explain this phenomenon, in this study, historical mapping and timeline are selected to use to understand the changes in this study area. Historical mapping is the method concentrate in environmental characterization both anthropogenic area (urban or built-up area) and natural area (rural area). The study area, Bang Chan, is one of urban-rural interface or fringe area which is facing the rapid growth and urbanization. The area with the noticeable gradient of changes that caused by several factors which are part of urbanization processes. From the analysis findings, landscape change or land conversion of Bang Chan can be identified by indicators which are (1) Urban or built-up area (2) Agricultural area especially rice filed and (3) Other lands especially prospective lands for future uses. Such indicators mentioned can be indicated quantitatively by using series of historical maps which digitized from aerial photos and other supportive information. Coupling with timeline analysis, the results show that the factors affecting changes and changes characteristic might be (1) The improvement of transportation and logistic between CBD and fringe area especially the large and important highway, (2) Demographic growth especially from external immigration, (3) Land cover changes from the increase of many residential or housing estates and (4) Other relevant factors which might cause landscape changes such as land price, motivation of land trades, plans, policies and other land use and town planning legislations issued from government and socio-cultural, economic and other physical changes. Although this study may not stop urban growth or urbanization in Bang Chan and other area of type but the most important aim is to make awareness of the importance and existing of them and thus, to raise the questions for future in-depth and advances study in the future.