Urban growth (1956-2006) and soil degradation by soil sealing in the municipality of Valencia

Abstract

This paper analyses the spatial and temporal dynamics of the urban uses during the second half of the 20th century in the municipality of Valencia, which is located in the Valencia metropolitan area. Changes in urban uses were established by using the aerial photographs dated in 1956, 1984 and 2006 and map analysis based on Geographical Information Systems. The results show an importance in the process of urban growth from 1956 to 2006 and a reduction of the agricultural and forest uses. Whereas in 1956 the built-up areas represented 2,007 ha (15% of the total area), in 2006 the surface occupied by urban use was 4,385 ha (33%). One third part of the municipality has been built-up in fifty years, mainly on prime farmlands.

Keywords

• urbanización
• dinámica espacio-temporal
• sellado antropogénico
• áreas litorales mediterráneas