Spatial-Temporal Evolution Characteristics Analysis of Color Steel Buildings in Lanzhou City

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

To authors:

This study investigated the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of color steel buildings, including the number, distribution gravity, spatial agglomeration, distribution directionality, and so on. The authors tried to quantitatively analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of color steel buildings in Lanzhou city and tried to reveal the importance of promoting the urbanization process and providing a scientific basis for relevant planning decisions.

I read the manuscript carefully and rate it as a very interesting study. This study used color steel buildings as an element to indirectly reflect the rate of urban development. I think this study holds promising potential, but I have several suggestions. Please find below a detailed list of comments and suggestions for improvement:

 

1)     I would suggest that the authors further revise the introduction section. Currently, in my opinion, the introduction is weak and does not convey the context and significance of the study. For example, in the first paragraph of the introduction, the author emphasizes the research related to urban sprawl, but does not make clear the context and significance of COLOR STEEL BUILDINGS in the context of urbanization. Otherwise, I would suggest that the author merge the first and second paragraphs and reduce the first paragraph appropriately.

2)     The Introduction chapter lacks a brief description of the relevant studies, which is necessary from my point of view, although the literature review is given in detail in chapter two.

3)     In addition, I suggest that the authors give the innovation of this research or give the contribution of this paper at the end of the Introduction.

4)     Please briefly explain the research data in which ‘The 2013 steel sheet building data were extracted from Google Imagery using 249 manual vectorization. From 2014 onwards, steel sheet building data were derived from 250 GF-2 satellite imagery using a neural network model for extraction.’ Why two methods are used to extract targets from different data sources?

5)     In Line 358, a mistake should be revised, ‘landscape,,’ -> ‘landscape,’.

6)     I suggest that the authors add legends (scale) to Figures 2 and 4.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

the paper presents the subject in a good manner. However, the related work needs to include more recent work. moreover, a comparison with the literature should be applied. the conclusion needs to be more detailed and include a summary of the work and the results highlighting the contribution and advancement of the research over the literature.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript focuses on the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of color steel-clad buildings in Lanzhou, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial statistical analysis methods. Your work explores these buildings' quantities, distribution centroids, spatial agglomeration, distribution directionality, and compactness. However, for your manuscript to reach its full potential and be considered for publication, I recommend the following revisions:

1. Abstract Enhancement:
• The abstract should clearly specify the actual data sources and processing methods employed in your study. Currently, it vaguely mentions the use of GIS technology and spatial statistical analysis, which does not provide sufficient detail about your research methodology.
2. Writing and Citation Format:
• Please pay careful attention to the writing and citation format throughout your manuscript. For instance, the citation error on Line 45, "Lu et al. et al.," should be corrected. Such errors can detract from the credibility and readability of your work.
3. Introduction of Research Questions:
• The introduction should explicitly state the research questions your study aims to answer. Clearly articulating these questions is crucial for setting the context of your research and guiding the reader through your investigation.
4. Research Framework:
• Following the section on spatial and temporal evolution (2.2), a comprehensive research framework should be presented. This framework will help readers understand the foundation for your analyses and findings.
5. Validation of Measurement Accuracy:
• The manuscript should address the validation of measurement accuracy regarding the identification of color steel-clad buildings based on imagery. Ensuring and demonstrating the accuracy of these measurements is fundamental to the reliability of your findings.
6. Further Analysis for Policy or Econometric Implications:
• Your exploration of the distribution patterns of color steel-clad buildings is intriguing. To deepen the impact of your work, I suggest further developing implications for policy or econometric analysis in Chapter 5. This could involve examining the correlation between the distribution of these buildings and factors such as the stage of economic development in different cities, accessibility of high-speed transportation, and degree of industrial agglomeration. Additionally, offering recommendations related to policy, economy, and industry could significantly enhance the value of your research.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper  entitled “Spatial-Temporal Evolution Characteristics Analysis of Color  Steel Buildings in Lanzhou City” is the subject of the review. This research aligns with ongoing discussions about sustainable urban development and the need for adaptive strategies in city planning to accommodate and transition from temporary constructions to more permanent solutions as cities evolve. The study highlights the uneven urban expansion and the localized nature of construction practices and reveals  insights into the spatial distribution and expansion dynamics of steel plate buildings in Lanzhou City over an eight-year period. 

The research findings reveal a significant initial increase followed by a decrease in the prevalence of color steel buildings, peaking in 2017.  The research also shows the significant spatial variations between the eastern and western parts of Lanzhou, with the eastern region hosting a much larger area of color steel buildings. 

However, the article could be strengthened by including an analysis of future expansion dynamics for steel sheet buildings in Lanzhou City. Such forecasting would offer valuable insights for city planning and management, enhancing the paper’s applicability for long-term urban development strategies.

In conclusion, the article can be published after expanding its scope to include future forecasting elements, which would provide a more comprehensive resource for urban planners.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf