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Land-Use Pattern

Definition

Land-use pattern refers to the arrangement or organization of how specific areas of land are utilized. This can include residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial uses.

Analogy

Think of a land-use pattern like a quilt. Each patch on the quilt represents a different use for the land - some patches might be homes (residential), others could be stores (commercial), farms (agricultural) or factories (industrial). The way these patches are arranged and sewn together forms the overall pattern of the quilt, just as different land uses form patterns in real-world landscapes.

Related terms

Zoning: This is a legal process used by local governments to dictate how certain parcels of land can be used. It's like deciding which patches on our quilt should be what color or pattern.

Urban Sprawl: This term describes when cities spread out in an uncontrolled manner, often leading to inefficient use of land. It's like if our quilt kept growing haphazardly without any thought to its design or function.

Sustainable Development: This is an approach to development that seeks to balance current needs with future ones, often through careful planning and resource management. It's like carefully planning out our quilt so we don't run out of fabric before it's finished.