Abstract

GIS analysis of density under the context of sustainable development
Track: Urban and Regional Planning
Authors: DANIEL PAEZ

Economic growth and faster transport systems have facilitated low-density urbanization. Today cities face confronting pressures to decide on vertical (high-rise) or horizontal (sprawl) urbanization. A micro-level GIS analysis of Bogota urban development was conducted to understand the relationship between social, environmental and economic factors with population density. Results show that even though Bogota is one of the densest cities in the world, densification does not always represent a higher standard of living. It appears that high population density cannot be seen in isolation as an ultimate goal by all cities, particularly in the developing world. Further research is needed to better understand urbanization in the context of sustainable development. The objective of a high number of inhabitants per square kilometre needs to be placed in the context of social, economic and environmental goals.