Population density and land consumption trends in the metropolitan Southwest

A gap exists between the developers of urban density gradient and land use models and applied researchers interested in understanding population density and land consumption trends. Simplifying model assumptions, lack of data, and local development patterns limit the usefulness of model insights for understanding specific regional and metropolitan contexts. This paper discusses the problems of developing an urban time series, using the regional context of Southwestern metropolitan areas, and specifically. Phoenix, Arizona, to emphasize issues of urban boundary measurement, microcomputer calculation, and contrasting local model assumptions. We conclude by addressing, the value of linking planning practice and current urban modeling research through similar comparative, applied studies using multiple data sources.