“Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China

Brownfields are abundant, widely dispersed, and subject to complex contamination, resulting in waste land, ecological degradation, and barriers to economic growth. The accurate identification of brownfield sites is key to formulating effective remediation and reuse strategies. However, the heterogen...

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Main Authors: Quanchuan Fu, Jingyuan Zhu, Xiaodi Zheng, Zhengxiang Li, Maini Chen, Yuyuwei He
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Land
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1213
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author Quanchuan Fu
Jingyuan Zhu
Xiaodi Zheng
Zhengxiang Li
Maini Chen
Yuyuwei He
author_facet Quanchuan Fu
Jingyuan Zhu
Xiaodi Zheng
Zhengxiang Li
Maini Chen
Yuyuwei He
author_sort Quanchuan Fu
collection DOAJ
description Brownfields are abundant, widely dispersed, and subject to complex contamination, resulting in waste land, ecological degradation, and barriers to economic growth. The accurate identification of brownfield sites is key to formulating effective remediation and reuse strategies. However, the heterogeneity of surface features poses significant challenges for identifying various types of brownfields across entire urban areas. To address these challenges, this study proposes a “Target–Classification–Modification” (TCM) method for brownfield identification, which was applied to Tangshan City, China. This method consists of a three-stage process: target area localization, visual interpretation and classification, and site-level modification. It leverages integrated multi-source open-access data and clear rules for subtype classification and the determination of spatial boundaries and abandonment status. The results for Tangshan show that (1) the overall accuracy of the TCM method reached 84.9%; (2) a total of 1706 brownfield sites were identified, including 422 raw-material mining sites, 576 raw-material manufacturing sites, and 708 non-raw-material manufacturing sites; (3) subtype analysis revealed distinct spatial distribution and morphological patterns, driven by resource endowments, transportation networks, and industrial space organization. The TCM method improved the identification efficiency by 34.7% through precise target-area localization. It offers well-defined criteria to distinguish different brownfield subtypes. In addition, it employs a multi-approach strategy to determine the abandonment status, further enhancing accuracy. This method is scalable and widely applicable, providing support for urban-scale brownfield research and practice.
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spelling doaj-art-e3bd466f83954fd8a669d48a93f028f42025-08-20T03:16:22ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-06-01146121310.3390/land14061213“Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, ChinaQuanchuan Fu0Jingyuan Zhu1Xiaodi Zheng2Zhengxiang Li3Maini Chen4Yuyuwei He5School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaSchool of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaSchool of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, ChinaBrownfields are abundant, widely dispersed, and subject to complex contamination, resulting in waste land, ecological degradation, and barriers to economic growth. The accurate identification of brownfield sites is key to formulating effective remediation and reuse strategies. However, the heterogeneity of surface features poses significant challenges for identifying various types of brownfields across entire urban areas. To address these challenges, this study proposes a “Target–Classification–Modification” (TCM) method for brownfield identification, which was applied to Tangshan City, China. This method consists of a three-stage process: target area localization, visual interpretation and classification, and site-level modification. It leverages integrated multi-source open-access data and clear rules for subtype classification and the determination of spatial boundaries and abandonment status. The results for Tangshan show that (1) the overall accuracy of the TCM method reached 84.9%; (2) a total of 1706 brownfield sites were identified, including 422 raw-material mining sites, 576 raw-material manufacturing sites, and 708 non-raw-material manufacturing sites; (3) subtype analysis revealed distinct spatial distribution and morphological patterns, driven by resource endowments, transportation networks, and industrial space organization. The TCM method improved the identification efficiency by 34.7% through precise target-area localization. It offers well-defined criteria to distinguish different brownfield subtypes. In addition, it employs a multi-approach strategy to determine the abandonment status, further enhancing accuracy. This method is scalable and widely applicable, providing support for urban-scale brownfield research and practice.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1213brownfieldabandoned sitesspatial identificationspatial characteristicsgeographic dataurban regeneration
spellingShingle Quanchuan Fu
Jingyuan Zhu
Xiaodi Zheng
Zhengxiang Li
Maini Chen
Yuyuwei He
“Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
Land
brownfield
abandoned sites
spatial identification
spatial characteristics
geographic data
urban regeneration
title “Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
title_full “Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
title_fullStr “Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
title_full_unstemmed “Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
title_short “Target–Classification–Modification” Method for Spatial Identification of Brownfields: A Case Study of Tangshan City, China
title_sort target classification modification method for spatial identification of brownfields a case study of tangshan city china
topic brownfield
abandoned sites
spatial identification
spatial characteristics
geographic data
urban regeneration
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1213
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