Identification and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Urban Informal Settlements Based on Multinomial Logistic Regression

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in Global South metropolises, the coexistence of formal and informal settlements constitutes a distinct spatial characteristic. A profound understanding of the spatial factors influencing their formation is crucial for advancing urban planning. By integrating multi-source remote sensing data, this study constructs a detection framework for socio-spatial differentiation in Global South cities, incorporating diverse indicators. Using Bangkok, Thailand, as a case study, it focuses on typical high-end settlements, informal settlements, and traditional settlements, aiming to quantitatively reveal the key spatial factors driving settlement differentiation. The study finds that building height, population density, and building density are core factors distinguishing different residential types, with building height being the most significant. This is attributed to residents in informal settlements being compelled to achieve extreme horizontal expansion of living space through densely arranged structures on limited land. This research validates the effectiveness of using explicit spatial indicators to reveal implicit socio-economic patterns. Its methodology and conclusions offer insights for promoting spatial justice in urban planning across the Global South.