Fuzzy urban sets: theory and application to desakota regions in China

This paper outlines a method for using the mathematics of fuzzy sets that is well suited to measure and characterize periurbanizing (<i>desakota</i>) systems typical of China, Southeast Asia, and other areas experiencing rapid urbanization. Drawing on Kosko's 'fuzzy hypercube', we derive three distinct but interdependent measures: (1) extent of urbanization, (2) level of fuzziness, and (3) degree of entropy. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by using remote sensing data for Ningbo, China.