Abstract: Understanding the characteristics of urban land expansion is essential for managing the uncontrolled growth of construction areas during the urbanization process. Four representative cities, namely Shenyang, Dalian, Chaoyang, and Dandong, located in various directions within Liaoning Province, were chosen for this study. Employing remote sensing image data from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, the research employed metrics such as the proportion of construction land, expansion intensity index, expansion intensity difference index, and the public edge measurement method to investigate the distinctive attributes of urban construction land within the designated area. The findings reveal significant variations in the spatial expansion of construction land across the four cities. Between 1990 and 2020, the overall share of construction land expanded considerably from 4.74% to 11.58%. During this period, the order of expansion intensity shifted from high to low as follows: Shenyang, Dalian, Dandong, and Chaoyang. Notably, Dalian exhibited rapid expansion, Shenyang and Dandong initially underwent slow expansion, transitioning to higher rates during the second and third phases, Chaoyang expanded from low speed to high speed, and then to medium speed. Over the same period, the divergence in urban expansion trends of  Shenyang, Chaoyang, and Dandong diminished gradually, while Dalian experienced an increasing discrepancy in its expansion pattern. The four cities employed a combination of three expansion modes, with predominant reliance on sprawl development, followed by enclave development, infill development was relatively minimal. The overarching urban growth trend revolved around outward development. However, distinct development needs led to variations among the cities.

Key words:

text-align:left, urban construction land')">"> urban construction land, expansion strength, expansion mode, urban spatial evolution, temporal and spatial differentiation characteristics