Terrain Analysis for Metropolitan Fringe Area Planning

A method for mapping the physical characteristics of land, and for applying this information to an evaluation of the suitability of the land in metropolitan fringe areas to urban development is presented. It is proposed that land use suitability maps be prepared for planning areas. These maps indicate the relative land use suitability of terrain units in the planning area by rating these units as optimum, satisfactory, marginal, or unsatisfactory for various land uses. The land use suitability maps are based on terrain maps drawn for the area and on land use suitability ratings prepared for the area. The land use suitability ratings are based primarily on the topography, soil, drainage, and depth to bedrock characteristics of land areas. Land use suitability maps should be used as a planning tool in conjunction with an evaluation of the other social, economic, political, and environmental factors that shape the patterns of urban development.