Geographical assessment of the dynamics of spatial boundary changes in the city of Almaty

Abstract

            Rapid urban transformation significantly influences the sustainability trajectory of contemporary metropolitan regions. Understanding the dynamics of spatial boundary changes is essential for ensuring balanced territorial development and effective urban governance. The city of Almaty, as the largest metropolitan center of Kazakhstan, has undergone substantial spatial restructuring since 1991 due to demographic growth, administrative reforms, economic concentration, and infrastructure expansion. This study provides a comprehensive geographical assessment of the dynamics of spatial boundary changes in Almaty by integrating geospatial analysis with bibliometric mapping.

             Scientific publications indexed in the core collections of Web of Science, Scopus, and Dimensions databases were reviewed to identify dominant research trends in urban boundary studies. A systematic analysis of the literature was conducted to determine the interdisciplinary landscape of spatial boundary research. Simultaneously, GIS-based spatial assessment was applied to evaluate territorial expansion, land-use transformation, and administrative boundary enlargement between 1991 and 2024.

             The results reveal distinct phases of urban expansion characterized by peri-urban integration, asymmetric growth patterns influenced by topographic constraints, and increasing pressure on ecological systems. Bibliometric findings demonstrate that research on urban boundary dynamics is predominantly concentrated in environmental studies, regional urban planning, geography, and remote sensing. The study confirms the continuing importance of geographical analysis as a leading framework for understanding spatial restructuring processes in metropolitan environments. Prospective research directions include predictive spatial modeling and the integration of advanced geoinformation technologies to enhance sustainable urban planning strategies.