New technology allows decisionmakers to simulate future impacts of today's land use decisions through satellite imaging.
SLEUTH, a new computer model that utilizes satellite imagery to display and forecast land use patterns on Earth, could serve as an important advancement in our ability to judge future urban growth. An initial study conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area projects an 80% increase in developed land use by the year 2030 based on current trends. But policies of increased forest and agricultural protection could stem growth to 20 or 30% during the same period, according to the simulation model. According to one researcher, this technology "provide[s] us with an unprecedented ability to monitor the urbanization process and capture the patterns of urban sprawl."
Thanks to Erin Clark
Read the full story: NASA Uses A "Sleuth" To Predict Urban Land Use
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello