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

Quanchuan Fu, Jingyuan Zhu, Xiaodi Zheng (), Zhengxiang Li, Maini Chen and Yuyuwei He
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Quanchuan Fu: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Jingyuan Zhu: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Xiaodi Zheng: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Zhengxiang Li: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
Maini Chen: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Yuyuwei He: School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: brownfield; abandoned sites; spatial identification; spatial characteristics; geographic data; urban regeneration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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