GIS-based analysis of street network structure and urban development patterns in Termez city, Uzbekistan

Abstract

Street networks play a fundamental role in shaping urban development by influencing accessibility, mobility, and the spatial organization of cities. This study aims to analyze the structure of the street network in Termez City using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and evaluate its impact on urban development patterns. OpenStreetMap (OSM) data were used to extract street network data, building footprints, and the administrative boundary of the study area. All spatial analyses were conducted using QGIS 3.40. The methodological framework included street hierarchy classification, street density assessment, building distribution analysis, and the evaluation of spatial relationships between the street network and urban development. The results revealed that higher-order streets, including trunk, primary, and secondary roads, are predominantly concentrated in the central districts of Termez City, forming the main transportation corridors. Building distribution analysis demonstrated that urban development is strongly associated with these corridors, where higher concentrations of buildings were observed. In contrast, peripheral areas exhibited lower levels of street network connectivity and relatively dispersed development patterns. The findings confirm that the structure and connectivity of the street network significantly influence the spatial development of Termez City. Furthermore, the study highlights the effectiveness of GIS-based approaches in supporting evidence-based urban planning, improving transportation accessibility, and promoting sustainable urban development in medium-sized cities.