Photographing Urban Sprawl

A National Geographic photographer summarizes her thoughts in writing about sprawl in the U.S.

1 minute read

June 26, 2001, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


How to you capture images of the American Dream and urban sprawl? This was the challenge for National Geographic photographer Sarah Leen in taking photographs for the magazine's in-depth feature on urban sprawl. The worst part of the assignment: "It was hard to see farms and woods bulldozed and graded to a frying-pan flatness to accommodate the building of more and more houses and shopping malls."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Friday, June 22, 2001 in National Geographic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Oil pumpjack in a field at sunset.

How Orphan Oil Wells Threaten West Texas Communities

Abandoned and orphaned oil wells in West Texas are causing costly environmental hazards like sinkholes and leaks, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and regulation to address a growing statewide and national crisis.

30 minutes ago - Oil Price

Glass high-rise reflecting clouds.

Protecting Birds From Window Glass

Glass windows kill billions of birds each year. Simple fixes can help.

2 hours ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel