The study looked at how the population in Wuhan Metropolitan Area changed from 1990 to 2010. They used math and GIS to analyze the patterns. The population grew steadily over three periods: fast growth, slower growth, then steady growth. People tended to live near main highways. The population density varied at first, then evened out. People spread out, then clustered together. The differences in where people lived were still clear. The population moved in a circular pattern, with the center staying in one place. Most people moved from the northwest to the southeast.