Urbanization Increase in the ratio or density of people living in urban areas rather than in rural areas Developed countries- process slowed second half of the 20th century Many small towns have grown together; formed large metropolitan areas Ex: Washington D.C.-Baltimore

Infrastructure Basic facilities of a country or region schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, sewers, railroads

Slow growth affects on urbanization Areas relatively pleasant roads and public transportation adequate green spaces provide ecosystem services moderation of temperature infiltration of rainwater runoff aesthetic value

The Urban Crisis Rapidly growing population overwhelms the infrastructure, living conditions deteriorate traffic jams, substandard housing, polluted air & water

Urban Sprawl Rapid spread of a city into adjoining suburbs and rural areas. building of suburbs on the boundary of a larger town often built on former farmland new suburbs cover 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) of land/ year (United States)

Development on Marginal Lands Many cities built with little room for expansion suburbs forced to built on marginal land (land poorly suited for building)

Other Impacts of Urbanization Cities generate and trap more heat than surrounding countryside Why? Roads and buildings absorb and retain heat longer then vegetation Heat island: area where air temperature is generally higher than the temperature of surrounding rural areas

Heat Island affects Change local weather patterns- increase rainfall Moderated plant trees for shade install rooftops that reflect rather than retain heat

Urban Planning Land-use planning: set of policies and activities related to potential uses of land, put in place before an area is developed Environmental impact required for many projects

Intelligent Design Geographical information system (GIS): automated system for capturing, storing, retrieving, analyzing, manipulating, and displaying geographic data

Types of data locations of sewer lines, roads, and parks Each image a different combination of information allows a user to display layers of information about an area and to overlay these layers (like overhead transparencies)

Transportation Most cities in the United States are difficult to travel in without a car constructed after the invention of the automobile sprawl over large areas Most cities in Europe built before cars compact with narrow roads

Mass Transit Systems Use buses and trains to move many people at one time Advantages save energy limit the loss of land to roadways and parking lots reduce highway congestion, air pollution Carpooling: an important alternative

Open Space Land within urban areas set aside for scenic and recreational enjoyment include parks, public gardens, bicycle and hiking trails. In natural condition called greenbelts provide important ecological services

Open Space Eco-services From Plants absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen filter out pollutants from air and water keep a city cooler in the summer From green areas reduce drainage by absorbing rainwater runoff from hardscape places for exercise and relaxation

GIS Views of Seattle, Washington