Analysis and modelling of urban dynamics in Suriname

The main aim of this research is to assess the social segregation as an effect of urban development in and around Paramaribo, Suriname. The urban growth between 1987 and 2015 will be assessed from remotely sensed images. To gain insight into the population within this urban system, an analysis will be done on the residential differentiation. This will be done via visual analysis of Google Earth images. From this differentiation, based on spatial characteristics, the residential population can be categorized into 4 groups, namely rich, middle class, middle to low income, and poor. An assessment can be done about where different social groups end up within the landscape. Different social classes end up at different locations. The poorest often end up in unofficial squatter settlements with no access to electricity and running water.

When we know where the different groups end up, we will try to gain insight into why the different groups end up where they do. The data for this analysis will be obtained through semi-structured interviews held with members of the different social classes. An agent-based model of this urban system will then bedeveloped in order to simulate how the population can distribute itself in the landscape in the future. This will be done for different scenarios.

When we know why different groups behave the way they do, and why they end up where they do, we can consider those factors when we develop land use plans. Hopefully, this can lead to develop plans, which will be beneficial for every social group, which can limit the social segregation.