Concentric Perspectives on Urban Densification: A GIS-Based Cluster Analysis in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract

Understanding urban densities is crucial as it directly influences urban planning and sustainable development. These planning and development processes directly impact equitable resource allocation, transportation efficiency, and environmental quality. Understanding urban densities enables urban planners and policymakers to create more inclusive, equitable, livable, and resilient urban spaces that cater to the evolving needs of diverse populations. This study uses a geospatial approach influenced by Von Thünen's land use theory to examine urban densification in the Great Lakes region of the US. It applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify concentric zones extending one mile from urban centers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The study analyzes over 750 urban areas, considering population density, green space, urban infrastructure, and building heights. The population density data are sourced from a Dasymetric map provided by the EPA. Green space is mapped using a raster created from park shapefiles. Urban infrastructure is identified from impervious area raster from the NLCD dataset, and building heights are derived from GML files. This methodology reveals patterns in urban development and their implications for policymaking. It suggests prioritizing downtown densification to address urban sprawl and support environmental sustainability. The key findings were four distinct urban development clusters, each with unique characteristics: Cluster 1 included cities like Detroit and Chicago, showing potential for suburban densification around well-established infrastructure; Cluster 2 featured cities such as Champaign (mostly tier 2 cities), with opportunities for densification without compromising environmental quality; Cluster 3 encompassed cities with notable decreases in infrastructure and population densities (cities with population under 30000), indicating areas ripe for urban density increase; and Cluster 4 represents a small group of cities where densification was balanced with green space expansion. These insights inform urban planning, highlighting downtown densification's importance in countering urban sprawl and enhancing environmental sustainability in the American Great Lakes region.