GIS Mapping for Population Distribution in Surat

In India, especially in urban cities, the population is increasing mostly due to rural-urban migration in accomplishing higher standard of living. The current population of the world is growing at the rate of 1.13% per annum. These increased populations needing basic amenities for provision of which is challenging to the urban managers. To provide better and efficient facilities, the understanding of trend of population distribution and growth is essential. In light of the though, this paper aims to map the population distribution of Gujarat’s second populous city, Surat. Mapping of population distribution for last three decades i.e. from 1991 to 2011 for a study area of current administrative boundary Surat Municipal Corporation is performed using GIS tools. Results are aimed to help identification of the direction of population growth and in specific, geographical location of wards (or councils) that are acting as growth poles. The population density maps show most densely saturated wards. This research shall help urban planners in discovering the areas having a potential for development and abstracting out the loop holes for controlling the population distribution in the particular pockets.