0000000000261106

AUTHOR

Marie-laurence De Keersmaecker

Fractal dimension versus density of built-up surfaces in the periphery of Brussels

International audience; This paper aims at showing the usefulness of the fractal dimension for characterizing the spatial structure of the built-up surfaces within the periurban fringe. We first discuss our methodology and expectations in terms of operationality of the fractal dimension theoretically and geometrically. An empirical analysis is then performed on the southern periphery of Brussels (Brabant Wallon). The empirical analysis is divided into two parts: first, the effect of the size and shape of the windows on the fractal measures is empirically evaluated; this leads to a methodological discussion about the importance of the scale of analysis as well as the real sense of fractality…

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Dimensions fractales et réalités périurbaines. L'exemple du Sud de Bruxelles

This exploratory paper aims at showing how the fractal dimension can be used to characterise the spatial structure of built-up areas within the periurban fringe. The southern periphery of Brussels is considered here. Two estimation techniques (correlation and dilation) are applied to surface areas, and one (correlation after dilation) to the borders of built-up areas. They are applied to windows of fixed size. Fractal dimensions are then compared with traditional socio-economic and morphological indicators. The results are interpreted in the context of urban sprawl and polycentric development of the peripheries. These analyses confirm the usefulness of the fractal approach for describing bu…

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