The current urban shape of metropolitan areas in Mexico: Indicators and morphological dimensions

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze, through a quantitative exercise, certain aspects of the urban morphology of the 59 metropolitan areas in Mexico for 2010. Seven key indicators are measured for the current debate, related to the extensive, disperse growth of cities, as well as the proliferation of polycentric urban structures. The results show enormous heterogeneity. Three large morphological dimensions are also identified that are independent of each other: one operating at a local level linked to the urban layout, and another two on a metropolitan scale on the macro-format and distribution of activities. D.R.