Is there a common typology of urban sprawl in Mediterranean cities?. A comparative analysis utilizing spatial metrics

Apostolos Lagarias and John Sayas

Revue d'économie régionale et urbaine, 2019, vol. Octobre, issue 4, 813-850

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to analyze and compare the form and land use structure of Euro-Mediterranean cities by estimating spatial metrics and to present a way of using these metrics to examine whether there is a common typology of urban sprawl. Based on Urban Atlas data (2006), the land use composition in six large urban agglomerations (Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Athens and Marseille) is analyzed, and the degree of low density development is identified. Certain modifications are applied to the original Urban Atlas data, and spatial metrics are estimated using the Fragstats software. A methodology for evaluating urban sprawl patterns based on five types of spatial metrics, characterizing patch density, size/aggregation, shape, dispersion/contiguity, and mixing, is presented. Moreover, land use change dynamics in the period 2006-2012 are analyzed in order to identify the most recent trends in urban growth. Results are evaluated and a comparison between the cities is presented. The discussion tries to characterize the patterns of urban sprawl, recognizing that, although there are certain similarities, a common typology of urban sprawl is not evident. Classification JEL: R110, R140

Keywords: urban sprawl; spatial metrics; Mediterranean cities; urban morphology; Urban Atlas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R11 R14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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