A METHOD FOR DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF URBAN AND METROPOLITAN AREAS

Abstract

A method is proposed for defining the boundaries of urban systems and metropolitan areas based on urban development processes, such as transport accessibility, degree of anthropogenic impact, and spatial connectivity. Assessment of spatial development aspects makes it possible to establish the outer boundary of an agglomeration, reflecting the structure of the urbanized area. In urban systems, the zone of actual influence produced by the city’s central area on the suburbs and other urban objects is defined allowing for the existing administrative zoning. The results of the study may be used for improving the methodological framework of urban planning and balanced decision making.

Keywords

• spatial development of territories
• urban system
• metropolitan area
• irkutsk agglomeration