Diffuse urban sprawl in intermediate cities: SImulation of the expansion process in the city of Temuco, Chile

Abstract

Urbanization advances vertiginously and its impacts are visible beyond metropolitan spaces. In this context, urban sprawl simulation methodologies become relevant to understand and add to future urban growth scenarios. In this work, the case of the city of Temuco in the La Araucanía Region is analyzed, using the following tools: Markov chains; Cellular Automaton; Multicriteria-Multi-objective Assessment; and the determination of land usage/cover using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Based on the above, the urban scenario was determined for 2049 from the spatial patterns of the area under study, since 1985. The model shows a trend to a peripheral and diffuse sprawl towards the north of the city and a strong development towards the western sector in the Labranza neighborhood. That is to say, the first sector is projected as a possible node of expansion, and the second, as one of consolidation. It is concluded that both zones require pertinent updated urban planning instruments, which the city has not had until now.