Abstract: Based on the urbanization connotation, an indicator system for evaluating urbanization level is put forward to reflect the urbanization levels and distinctions of the districts in Henan Province. By the entropy weighted technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method (TOPSIS), the synthetic urbanization level is evaluated for the period from 2001 to 2009 in Henan, and then, the evolvement of spatial pattern from 2001 to 2009 of the urbanization level is also probed deeply by the exploratory spatial data analysis method (ESDA). Results show that the synthetic urbanization level has been enhanced continuously since 2001, and the extent of urbanization has been extending continuously too. Although the geographical distribution of urbanization hotspot areas has been evolved from concentration to random, the core-periphery spatial pattern composed of central plain urban agglomeration and borderline regions is greatly remarkable. The evaluation and spatial statistical analysis of integrated urbanization level is beneficial to identifying the timing sequence and spatial characteristics of urbanization process in Henan Province, but also can provide theoretical reference to the urbanization policy making. And at last, it is considered that great efforts should be made to promote the urbanization process in the marginal traditional agricultural areas in Henan, which will play a key role in coordinating regional urbanization development.

Key words: comprehensive evaluation of regional urbanization level, entropy weighted TOPSIS method, Henan Province, spatial pattern