The role of tramway systems in shaping urban growth: a historical GIS study of four Spanish cities

Irene Méndez-Manjón and Pedro Plasencia-Lozano

Planning Perspectives, 2025, vol. 40, issue 4, 863-884

Abstract: This study examines how tramway systems influenced urban development in four Spanish cities – Barcelona, Madrid, A Coruña, and Oviedo – during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By analysing historical cadastral data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study finds clear links between tramway construction and urban expansion. The results show that tramway routes often triggered significant urban growth, especially five years after their implementation. Areas within 250 m of tram lines consistently saw the highest increase in density, highlighting the close relationship between transport and city development. Barcelona and Madrid, shaped by structured urban plans like the Cerdà and Castro grids, experienced coordinated growth along tramway networks. Meanwhile, A Coruña and Oviedo followed a more organic pattern, where tramways served as vital links between economic hubs like ports and railway stations and nearby residential areas. These cases underscore the transformative impact of tramways on urban landscapes. The findings stress the importance of integrating transport systems into urban planning. Historical tramways not only improved mobility but also helped shape city layouts, offering valuable lessons for contemporary urban development. By studying these systems, we can better understand how to balance historical insights with sustainable growth strategies in modern cities.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/02665433.2025.2455942

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