Occupation Density Analysis for Urban Agglomeration Growth of São Paulo Metropolitan Through Fractal Dimensions Estimate

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate and apply fractal dimension analysis methodologies to study the growing of metropolitan areas, using thematic maps and satellite images of time series. Fractal dimension of the Sao Paulo metropolitan area it was calculated using the following fractal dimension method: occupation urban density (Dd). The study was accomplished to thematic maps and orbital images from 1905 to 2001 that supplied information to estimate fractal dimensions from relations of density (Dd). Over period analyzed, urban agglomeration as a whole show means values of Dd=1,755 - a trend to fill central areas and dilution of occupation density at peripheral ones, which is related to low spatial organization of urban structures and the radial pattern of space growing. Key words: Fractal dimension; Urban agglomeration; São Paulo Metropolitan Area; Urban Expansion; Urban land use; Space analysis. Key words: Fractal dimension; Urban agglomeration; São Paulo Metropolitan Area; Urban Expansion; Urban land use; Space analysis.