Smart growth

Definition

Smart growth is an urban planning approach that focuses on sustainable development, promoting environmentally friendly and efficient land use practices to enhance community livability. This concept prioritizes compact, walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and accessible public transportation, aiming to reduce urban sprawl while preserving natural resources. The integration of smart growth principles into planning processes is often supported by advanced technologies like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess land use patterns and inform decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smart growth encourages land use policies that support dense development, reducing the need for long commutes and promoting alternative transportation options such as biking and walking.
2. This approach helps protect open spaces, farmland, and natural habitats by curbing urban sprawl and concentrating development in already urbanized areas.
3. Smart growth emphasizes community involvement in the planning process, ensuring that development aligns with the needs and desires of local residents.
4. Remote sensing technology allows planners to monitor land use changes over time, helping to identify areas suitable for smart growth strategies.
5. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide valuable spatial analysis tools that help visualize data related to demographics, transportation networks, and environmental features, guiding effective smart growth initiatives.

Review Questions

• How does smart growth utilize remote sensing and GIS technologies in urban planning?
  • Smart growth relies heavily on remote sensing and GIS technologies to analyze land use patterns and monitor environmental changes. These tools allow planners to gather real-time data about urban expansion, resource allocation, and demographic trends. By visualizing this information, planners can make informed decisions on where to focus development efforts, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and beneficial to the community.
• Evaluate the impacts of smart growth on community health and environment compared to traditional urban development methods.
  • Smart growth positively impacts community health by promoting walkable neighborhoods and reducing reliance on cars, which lowers air pollution levels. Unlike traditional urban development methods that often lead to urban sprawl, smart growth encourages compact living spaces that foster social interaction and access to green spaces. This integrated approach results in healthier lifestyles, improved air quality, and enhanced community well-being.
• Create a plan for implementing smart growth principles in a rapidly growing city facing significant urban sprawl issues.
  • To implement smart growth principles in a rapidly growing city with urban sprawl challenges, start by conducting a comprehensive land use assessment using GIS technology to identify high-density areas for development. Engage the community in participatory planning sessions to gather input on desired features like parks and public transport options. Focus on establishing transit-oriented developments near major transportation hubs to encourage public transport use. Additionally, implement policies that incentivize mixed-use developments and preserve natural landscapes around the city. Regularly monitor progress through remote sensing data to adjust plans as needed.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to environmental degradation and increased dependence on automobiles.

Sustainable Development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity.

Transit-Oriented Development: A type of urban development that maximizes access to public transport, encouraging higher density development near transit stations to promote walking and reduce vehicle use.