Fractal dimension versus density of built‐up surfaces in the periphery of Brussels*

Isabelle Thomas, Pierre Frankhauser and Marie‐Laurence De Keersmaecker

Papers in Regional Science, 2007, vol. 86, issue 2, 287-308

Abstract: Abstract. This paper tries to demonstrate the usefulness of a fractal analysis for characterising the morphology of built‐up areas within the peri‐urban fringe. Methodology and expectations are discussed theoretically and geometrically. An empirical analysis is then performed on the southern periphery of Brussels. The effect of the size and shape of the windows is evaluated; this leads to a methodological discussion about the real meaning of fractality and its relationship to density. These analyses confirm the usefulness and limits of the fractal approach: it is a promising tool for describing the morphology of cities and for simulating the growth and development of this field of research. Abstract. Este artículo pretende demostrar la utilidad de un análisis fractal para caracterizar la morfología de áreas urbanizadas dentro del área peri urbana. La metodología y expectativas se discuten teórica y geométricamente. A continuación se realiza un análisis empírico en la periferia del sur de Bruselas. Se evalúa el efecto del tamaño y forma de las ventanas; esto lleva a una discusión metodológica sobre el verdadero significado de la fractalidad y su relación con la densidad. Estos análisis confirman la utilidad y limites del enfoque fractal: Es una herramienta promisoria para describir la morfología de ciudades y para simular el crecimiento y desarrollo de este campo de investigación.

Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1435-5957.2007.00122.x

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Working Paper: Fractal dimension versus density of built-up surfaces in the periphery of Brussels (2007)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:presci:v:86:y:2007:i:2:p:287-308

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