Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
term also applies to the Ozark, Boston, and Ouachita Mountains to the west of the
Mississippi River.
Urban sprawl
: A derogatory term referring to the excessive and disorderly
spreading of low-population-density American suburbs, especially those recently
developed at the fringe of metropolitan areas (outer suburbs). Urban spread is a
more neutral term that better reflects the meaning given in France to urban
spreading. There is a real debate on the topic in relation to urban planning in the
United States. Urban planners oppose the sprawl, which does not allow for the
development of public transportation due to low population density and does not
include suitable walking areas (walkable neighborhoods). Critics also link the
national problem of obesity to sprawl due to the lack of exercise of those who spend
their commuting time in cars. Sprawls are also allegedly responsible for degrading
the quality of the environment (spoiled landscapes, water quality) and contributing
to global warming due to increased car traffic. Urban-sprawl advocates argue that it
is supposed to reduce commuting time and traffic congestion and help keep down
housing prices. They point out that suburban areas have a lower crime rate. Finally,
they argue that it is an issue of personal choice and freedom.
US Census Bureau
: Since 1903, the Bureau has been responsible for the US
population census every 10 years, and is the American equivalent of the French
INSEE. The Bureau has been the main source of economic and social data used
throughout this topic. All census data can be viewed and downloaded at:
http://www.census.gov/.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
: As in France, the Department
of Agriculture in the United States is also responsible for fisheries and forests. It is a
major source of geographical data, especially of land data.
USGS (United States Geological Survey)
: The American equivalent of the
French Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) and Institut
Géographique National (IGN) combined, the US Geological Survey is the leading
source of geographical data. It publishes the National Atlas that can be viewed at
www.nationalatlas.gov/.
W
Walkable neighborhood (community
): An operational urban concept promoted
by the New Urbanism movement and a tool used by Smart Growth to counteract the
urban sprawl. The idea is to structure the city in neighborhood communities that
