LAUSR

This study attempted to identify and quantify the morphology of intercity urban polycentric development (UPD) from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) data and urban land (UL) data sets in China at the provincial level. The spatiotemporal change and impact factors of UPD from 2000 to 2012 were also evaluated. The accuracy verification results indicated that the UPD could effectively and accurately identify and evaluate from the DMSP-OLS data and UL data sets in China. China’s urban structure presented a UPD trend from 2000 to 2012 and showed a pattern of high values in the eastern region and low values in the western region. In addition, the gross domestic product was proven to be a significant factor and had an inverted U-shaped impact on the UPD. The study can provide accurate time-series UPD data sets for decision-makers to evaluate the spatiotemporal change and driving mechanism of the intercity urban structure in China at the provincial level.