Spatial elaboration of long-term economic and demographic trends: Future land use in the Netherlands

Abstract

This chapter describes three different, exemplifying strategic policy studies in the field of spatial planning and sustainability in the Netherlands at national and regional level. Spatial scenarios and simulations played a different role in each of them. In the first study spatial scenarios and simulations were used to explore the range of potential spatial dynamics and to analyse their differences. The second study analysed the sustainability impact of probable future changes in land use and transport and investigated how both could be optimised to reach specific aims in sustainability policies. Finally, in the third study spatial scenarios and simulations served to facilitate the interactive process of policy preparation with decision-makers and stakeholders. Each scenario study requested a different use of the Land Use Scanner model to shed light on spatial dynamics in the future. The outcomes made clear what the probable consequences of both autonomous developments and specific policies will be in future and which policies could be needed to address these changes. As such, the spatial scenarios and simulations contributed to a better-informed decision-making in spatial planning and sustainability issues.