The expression of urban spatial pattern based-on GIS spatial relationships theory

Urban spatial pattern (U-S-P) is an important embodiment of general characteristics of the urban space layout and relations between component elements. But there are few research into the spatial relations within U-S-P. The paper generalizes the elements system for the expression of U-S-P, builds the the corresponding relation with the entities in GIS spatial relationships theory. RCC-8 model and entended Cardinal Direction Model are adopted to propose the integrated expression of urban spatial pattern, which can describe all relations (topological, directional, distance) among all sorts of graphic elements. This study provides new thought and method for U-S-P research.