LAND USE PLANNING: WHAT IT CONSISTS OF, FUNCTIONS AND TYPES - GEOGRAPHY - 2024

The land use planning is a policy that seeks to facilitate and improve the economic efficiency of the territory. In addition, it allows to establish the social, cultural and political cohesion of a place in a sustainable way. Its application must be made according to the characteristics of the territory.

This has two great divisions: rural and urban; the planning of the territory must cover the needs of the inhabitants of each space. The main function of land use planning is to promote balanced development, involving the community. This, in the long run, ensures a better quality of life for the inhabitants.

With land use planning, it is easier to have knowledge of the characteristics of the territory. It also helps to value natural resources and think reasonably about their uses based on those characteristics.

The spatial diagnosis that allows sectoral planning is possible thanks to land use planning; This evaluation makes it possible to make sectoral planning and explain the territorial objectives. With these results, conflicts can be prevented and territorial demands can be coordinated.

What does it consist of?

A large number of experts assure that the term territorial ordering or spatial planning is one of the most complex and polysemic that exists and is used many times in a wrong way.

Among the many definitions of the experts, Sáez de Buruaga (1980) highlights that the concept is anthropocentric and must be a reflection of the efficiency and balance obtained by a society.

On the other hand, Fabo (1983) says that it is the instrument that the territory and its population use to combat the disorder of economic growth. This is achieved by setting spatial, economic and social variables, trying to complete an optimized model for the location of activities in the territory.

For his part, Zoido (1998) points out that spatial planning is a public function and a complex policy, very young, that is not fully implemented. It is supported by legal and administrative instruments and principles of planning, participation, scientific knowledge, among others.

With this, it is concluded that land use planning is a device, a tool, not the end in itself; it is at the service of plans that manage the use of resources, development and, in general, the quality of life and well-being of the inhabitants.

Features

The utility of land use planning is taken into account by all types of organizations, especially by governments and public entities. Its functions are transversal and applicable to various types of realities:

- Allow a balanced economic and social development for the inhabitants of all parts of the territory in question.

- Improve the quality of life of citizens by facilitating access to different areas of the space.

- Responsible management of natural resources to avoid excessive consumption as well as their conservation.

- Protect the environment. The coexistence between people and spaces is vital. It is important to keep the territory in good condition to guarantee a peaceful life.

- Use the territory rationally. This last function is fulfilled when the previous ones are put into practice.

Types

The space or territory in general can be divided into two types: urban and rural. Likewise, land use planning is divided into:

Rural land use planning

The rural territory, rural space or rural environment is defined as those non-urban areas in which agricultural, agro-industrial or extractive activities are carried out. It is also the place that dedicates its space to environmental conservation.

The rural area is the one from which raw materials and natural resources are mostly extracted. It has a small population, as well as a low density of inhabitants; Furthermore, it does not have large structures such as buildings or shopping centers.

This territory needs a territorial order to take advantage of all that it can offer. In addition, it requires it to offer quality of life to its inhabitants.

Rural land use planning is a political, technical and administrative process that aims to organize, plan and manage the use and occupation of the rural territory or space.

This procedure is done according to the biophysical, cultural, socioeconomic and political-institutional qualities and restrictions.

During this process, the ideal is that the inhabitants of the territory participate and that the plan is directed to specified objectives in favor of an intelligent and fair use of the territory.

characteristics

Rural land use planning must take advantage of opportunities, reduce risks and protect resources in the short, medium and long term.

It is important that the ordering process is participatory. The different sectors that are included in the territory to be ordered must participate actively in each of the stages of the process.

In addition to active participation, interaction with the environment is needed; that is, the territory. Communication with other participants and those in charge of the process is also important.

Urban land use planning

The urban territory or urban space is defined as the space of the city where a high population density is grouped.

The most notable characteristic and the biggest difference with the rural area is that it has an infrastructure capable of housing its growing population.

On the other hand, and the reason why the vast majority of people are concentrated in this territory, is that there are more varied economic activities. Also, it is in urban spaces where the authorities of a country, region or city are concentrated.

Although there is a definite idea of ​​what urban territory is, it is a complex concept to define due to its constant evolution.

characteristics

As with rural areas, urban land use planning is broad. This uses arduous planning to produce design proposals, as well as formulate projects that regulate urban and environmental dynamics.

The ordinance also contributes to being prepared to attend the anomalies present in its condition of economic, social and spatial development. All this is done within a specified period under a certain schedule that involves monitoring and control.

At the international level, both urban and rural territorial planning play a very important role in terms of the economy. It is necessary to plan spaces that connect nations for the transport of materials or merchandise, and in this way ensure economic exchange between countries.

The foregoing is also applicable between the states, municipalities or provinces of a country. The internal division of the country should facilitate the movement of people, as well as commercial exchange.

References

1. Babalis, D. (2016) Approaching the integrative city: The Dynamics of Urban Space. Florence, Italy: Altralinea Edizioni. Recovered from google.books.co.ve.
2. Brown, W., Bromley, S., and S. Athreye. (2004). Ordering The International: History, Change and Ordering. London, UK: Pluton Press. Recovered from: google.books.co.ve.
3. Burinskiene, M. and Rudzkiene, V. (2010) Future insights, scenarios and expert method application in sustainable territorial planning. Ukio Technologinis go Ekonominis Vystymas. 15: 1, 10-25. Recovered from tandfonline.com.
4. Gross, P. (1998). Territorial organization: the management of rural spaces. Eure (Santiago). 24 (73). Recovered from redalyc.org.
5. Ornés, S. (2009). Urbanism, urban planning and land use planning from the perspective of Venezuelan urban law. Politeia. 32 (42), 197-225. Recovered from redalyc.org.
6. Sanabria, S. (2014). Spatial planning: origin and meaning. Terra New Stage. XXX (47), 13-32. Recovered from redalyc.org.