GIS Model Comparing the Cost of Sprawl Versus New Urbanism

Author: Stewart Mitchell
Organization: DTM Consulting

211 N. Grand Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
USA

Phone: 406-585-5322
Fax: 406-585-0764
stewart@dtmgis.com

Land use development patterns such as sprawl and new urbanism have very
different spatial characteristics. A GIS model was constructed to contrast
the economic characteristics associated with these two patterns of land use.
The model quantifies and calculates the cost of specific services and the
amount of tax revenue generated. The model employs ArcView GIS and a third
party extension called SmartPlaces. The extension uses a graphic interface
that enables the easy interpretation of the models methods and results by
non-GIS users.