Abstract: The changes of spatial pattern, distribution and composition of surface water bodies were analyze quantitatively by the spatial analysis method, fractal analysis method and remote sensing method from 1995 to 2005 within Changchun City, China. The results indicated that the density of surface water body increased slightly, the water body mass center moved to northwest in the urban area, while the density of surface water body decreased within the downtown. Fractal index showed that the distribution and spatial pattern became more complex due to urbanization of Changchun City. The trend and character of the surface water bodies changed in different way, though surface water areas have been increased generally. The area of lake and swamp by rainfall decreased due to drier climate, while the areas of reservoirs and irrigation drainages are increased rapidly due to higher demand from urbanization and more diversion activities. In the future, the spatial characteristics of urbanization of Changchun City will be influenced by the unbalanced distribution of surface water bodies.

Key words: urbanization, surface water, pattern, evolution