The Evolution of Madiun City: The Impact of Accessibility on Urban and Economic Transformation

The development of Madiun from 1900 to the 2000s was shaped by political, economic and infrastructure changes that influenced its urban structure. This research examines the city's transformation from the colonial (1990-1945) to the reform era (1998-now), focusing on the relationship between accessibility and the growth of new economic centres. Although previous studies have explored its development, they lack insights into this specific connection. Using a spatial and diachronic approach, the study analyses road networks, economic centres and urban structures using historical maps, together with journals, field surveys and satellite imagery. The data were processed in several stages: (1) georeferencing and digitising of the historical maps to align with contemporary spatial data; (2) mapping of road networks and economic centres using GIS-based network analysis; (3) land use classification and detection of changes from satellite imagery; and (4) validation of the results through field surveys at key locations. These steps, undertaken with the use of ArcGIS Pro, produced diachronic maps detailing urban changes and the spatial relationship between accessibility and economic growth. The findings reveal that accessibility, particularly through transportation networks, has been a key driver of new economic centres. Areas with high accessibility tend to host diverse and intensive economic activities. These centres have a significant influence on Madiun’s urban structure, with agricultural land decreasing from 47.01% in 1984 to 34.57% in 2024, while built-up areas, including residential zones, expanded from 52.99% to 65.43%. The expansion of residential areas, which reached 57.5% during the reform era, indicates a major shift in land use, driven by accessibility and economic growth. The centres also have a strong influence on Madiun's urban structure, with a transition from agriculture to residential, commercial and industrial functions. The research highlights the role of transportation infrastructure in shaping economic development and urban adaptation. It contributes valuable insights into the interplay between accessibility and economic centres, offering a reference for future urban planning to help foster sustainable growth in cities such as Madiun.