Refers to a geographic area with a finite amount of land. It can be due to physical barriers like mountains or bodies of water, as well as human factors such as urbanization and land use regulations.
Related terms
Urban Sprawl: The outward expansion of urban areas into previously rural or undeveloped land. It consumes limited land resources and often leads to increased commuting distances and traffic congestion.
Green Belt: An area of open, undeveloped land surrounding an urban area, often protected from development to prevent further sprawl and maintain ecological balance.
Land Use Planning: Process by which government authorities regulate the use of land in order to maximize its potential while considering factors such as population growth, infrastructure needs, and environmental sustainability.