Author(s)

Julia Lourenfo & Jose Mendes

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of mathematical models and numerical modelling concerning the growth of urban expansion areas. The models are tested on four case studies located in the 2nd Metropolitan Area of Portugal around the town of Oporto. An introduction to the approach taken is presented which can be summarised very briefly in three phases. The 1st phase deals with the selection of areas in terms of planning criteria and objectives of land-use plans evaluation as well as data availability. The 2nd phase concerns the delimitation of boundaries, preparation of aerial photographs, base maps, plans and finally, the actual computer mapping of the urban growth. The 3rd phase consists in overlay analysis and measurements of the aeri

Keywords