Aspects Of Urban Planning Research Articles

Two-dimensional network scene design for traffic simulation: An approach using computational Delaunay triangulation

Traffic network design is a pivotal aspect of urban planning, necessitating a harmonious blend of theoretical and practical approaches. In this paper, we propose a novel network design methodology utilizing Delaunay triangulation. We address the limitations of raw Delaunay networks, particularly their triangular configurations, by introducing edge-reduction techniques guided by a newly developed metric, detour redundancy. This metric is instrumental in assessing edge importance, facilitating the transformation of the network to better mirror real-world traffic scenarios. The efficacy and practical application of the designed networks are then evaluated through traffic simulations using the principles of cellular automata. Our findings underscore the potential of this approach in enriching traffic network design and pave the way for future investigations into diverse network characteristics and their implications in urban environments.

Far Eastern cemeteries as an object of study

The article is devoted to the actualization of the study of Far Eastern cemeteries as objects of historical value, forming and preserving national memory. The selected topics have an interdisciplinary character, including historical, cultural, legal, urban planning, philosophical and other aspects, and differ not only in scientific, but also in social significance. At the regional Far Eastern level, there is practically no comprehensive approach to the study of churchyards, including within the framework of the auxiliary historical discipline of necropolystics (or necropoleology), although its importance cannot be overestimated. The Far Eastern cemeteries, the earliest burials of which date back to the second half of the XIX century, contain a whole layer of information concerning different epochs, the peculiarities of social life, economics, culture, the style of tombstones, the content of epitaphs, biographies of historical figures. A special place is occupied by disappearing and partially lost cemeteries, which are not officially objects of cultural heritage, but are of scientific and local history value. The main research methods used were the historical-comparative method, which allows to identify similarities and differences in graves of different eras; the chronological method, which makes it possible to consider the evolution of churchyards through the prism of temporary changes, and a number of others, taking into account the principles of historicism, objectivity and systematic analysis. Microhistoric and cultural hikes, the theory of everyday life were involved. The paper examines some features of burial sites, the main milestones of their study, characterizes a number of Far Eastern churchyards, important from the point of view of scientific analysis and preservation of national memory, substantiates domestic cemeteries as complex monuments with historical value, forming and preserving the collective memory of the people. The conclusions drawn in the article suggest that the study of Far Eastern cemeteries remains sketchy and unsystematic, although this is a promising area of regional historical science that can significantly complement and enrich it with new data, generalizations and meanings. Scientific research should go in parallel with public activities to preserve existing churchyards, restore tombstones and perpetuate the memory of people who have left a significant mark on the life of the region and the country as a whole.

Evaluating municipal solid waste management with a confidence level-based decision-making approach in q-rung orthopair picture fuzzy environment

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a critical aspect of urban planning and public health. As societies strive towards environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, robust techniques to transform waste into energy become paramount. Assessment of waste-to-energy (WTE) techniques is based on a spectrum of criteria that are often vague and imprecise. The current study addresses this multi-criteria group decision-making problem of assessing and evaluating WTE methods for MSW management using q-rung orthopair picture fuzzy (qRPF) numbers. The study proposes an innovative combination of the Defining Interrelationships Between Ranked-criteria (DIBR) and Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution (CRADIS) methods. The criteria are assessed using the recently developed DIBR method, while the alternatives are assessed using a popular distance-based method, namely CRADIS. Moreover, new confidence level-based aggregation operators for qRPF numbers are proposed and used to aggregate fuzzy data, while a novel triangular divergence-based distance measure is proposed and used to modify the existing CRADIS method. The results show that anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are the two most preferred WTE methods for MSW management. An extensive comparative analysis demonstrates the applicability of the proposed methodology, while an exhaustive sensitivity analysis confirms the proposed method’s stability. The results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient validate the model’s practicality. The findings of this research yield significant insights beneficial to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers alike. By implementing sustainable waste management strategies, municipalities can improve recycling rates, minimize landfill use, and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for urban populations.

Special aspects of urban planning in the context of quantum technologies development

Special aspects of urban planning in the context of quantum technologies development

COVID Street Cafés: Assessing Policy Windows in Five North American Cities

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Cities experimented with street design to address health and economic impacts of the COVID pandemic between 2020 and 2023. Scholars have suggested that COVID represented a window of opportunity to transform aspects of urban planning, but the degree to which emergency interventions portend longer-term changes requires study. This study focused on street cafés as one of the more significant COVID-era street transformations. Street cafés are allocations of space in the cartway for outdoor dining. They introduce a social use to street space while increasing the complexity of managing street space. To assess the idea that the COVID crisis was a window of opportunity, we conducted a comparative case study of COVID street café programs in five North American cities. We drew on 16 interviews and analysis of policy documents to examine how street café programs were implemented, how they adapted existing policy and institutions, and whether their implementation represented a policy punctuation. Despite common objectives, implementing COVID street café programs played out differently in each case city. Urban form, existing policy, administration of emergency programs, and café design and experimentation all affected outcomes. These COVID-era programs led to one city initiating a new street café program; in two other cities, they accelerated implementation of recent policy initiatives, and the experience in the final two cities was ambiguous. Takeaway for practice: This research highlights the importance of recently adopted street policy in shaping emergency response. Although installation of COVID street cafés was widespread, planners will have to renegotiate emergency actions taken to lessen regulatory, administrative, and financial hurdles to café implementation to sustain viable street café programs in the long run.

Research on the Improvement of Green Slow Traffic System under the Guidance of "Healthy City"

The rapid transformation of the world has changed the way people live. The level of urbanization is being saliently improved, material and civilization is becoming more and more abundant as well. Motor vehicles have reshaped our lifestyle. The mobile traffic-dominated planning thoughts has contributed to various problems such as disorder spread of cities, traffic congestion, aggravation of resource energy consumption, inclined allocation of social resources, and deterioration of urban health. In the evolution of urban slow traffic network in China, there are some problems such as the scale imbalance and the lack of humanistic care. In the situation of global low-carbon economic development, green travel and low-carbon transportation have been widely concerned. As a people-oriented, harmonious and low-carbon traditional green travel mode in the urban transportation system, slow traffic has once again become the focus of research. This paper will demonstrate the necessity of the development in slow traffic system under the concept of healthy city, combined with the current development status of slow traffic. The characteristics of green slow traffic system are analyzed from two aspects of goal-oriented (slow traffic subject) and demand-oriented (slow traffic activity). Then this paper will point out the problems existing in the current slow traffic and summarize the theoretical basis for improving the slow traffic environment. The strategic framework of improving the slow traffic system is constructed from the aspect of urban planning to promote healthy urban construction.

Computational Optimisation of Urban Design Models: A Systematic Literature Review

The densification of urban spaces globally has contributed to a need for design tools supporting the planning of more sustainable, efficient, and liveable cities. Urban Design Optimisation (UDO) responds to this challenge by providing a means to explore many design solutions for a district, evaluate multiple objectives, and make informed selections from many Pareto-efficient solutions. UDO distinguishes itself from other forms of design optimisation by addressing the challenges of incorporating a wide range of planning goals, managing the complex interactions among various urban datasets, and considering the social–technical aspects of urban planning involving multiple stakeholders. Previous reviews focusing on specific topics within UDO do not sufficiently address these challenges. This PRISMA systematic literature review provides an overview of research on topics related to UDO from 2012 to 2022, with articles analysed across seven descriptive categories. This paper presents a discussion on the state-of-the-art and identified gaps present in each of the seven categories. Finally, this paper argues that additional research to improve the socio-technical understanding and usability of UDO would require: (i) methods of optimisation across multiple models, (ii) interfaces that address a multiplicity of stakeholders, (iii) exploration of frameworks for scenario building and backcasting, and (iv) advancing AI applications for UDO, including generalizable surrogates and user preference learning.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY OF ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF HIGH-STORY BUILDINGS IN CITIES

The main regulatory and legal aspects that regulate the organization of open spaces of multi-storey residential buildings are considered. An analysis of the category-conceptual apparatus of open inter-house spaces of residential buildings was carried out. The relevance of the issue of open spaces in multi-story buildings is studied. The main influencing factors on the formation of socio-technological characteristics of open spaces of residential buildings are determined.When designing high-rise buildings, it is important to comply with regulatory and legal acts when designing housing, where the main place should be given to the creation of a convenient and high-quality open space, which forms a comfortable environment for the residents of the buildings not only in the internal environment of the apartments, but also in the external space. Compliance with these requirements requires the professionalism of urban planning specialists, the unity of legal and urban planning aspects, compliance with the legal framework, the responsibility of architects, where the private interests of investors and developers should not be a priority.Overdensification and disorderly residential construction in the central part of the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, where the historical environment of our city is concentrated, as well as on the streets adjacent to the center, entails a significant environmental burden - an increase in the number of cars and a decrease in the area of green areas in favor of parking lots, open in such cases, the space of a multi-story residential building is often represented by parking lots. The appearance of residential high-rises in the recreation area around the city lake and in the areas of low-rise buildings adjacent to the city park also creates environmental problems for the city.Arrangement of open spaces of multi-storey buildings is an important component of comfortable and high-quality living of residents. Compliance with legal norms and rules, the high responsibility of urban planning specialists and architects bring to a high level the organization of a highly comfortable, high-quality, convenient, safe, ecologically clean, balanced living environment, which should be a priority.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PARK ZONES ARRANGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE MODERN CITY

The main principles of park zones arranging in the conditions of modern cities are analyzed in order to determine the optimal approaches to their development and organization, in particular, taking into account ecological, socio-economic and aesthetic aspects. Arguments are given that speak of the importance of observing the rules of zoning of such territories and prove the impact of the presence of properly located park zones on the physical and mental health of people. The most effective strategies for preserving the natural environment and creating a comfortable space for the city's residents have been determined, as well as potential obstacles and problems that may arise in the process of setting up park areas, and suggestions for overcoming them have been identified. The article provides a comparative analysis of the arrangement of park zones in Mariupol and Berlin. Fundamental differences in the planning of park zones as recreation areas for city dwellers have been identified. Innovative methods of using space, the introduction of eco-friendly materials and technologies, as well as the interaction of park zones with other aspects of urban planning (residential districts, the business part of the city, industrial zone, etc.) to create a healthier, sustainable and attractive urban environment were studied. The studies were carried out in accordance with the current regulatory documents, which regulate the basic principles of arranging park zones, taking into account world experience regarding location, planning, filling (small architectural forms, monuments, lighting, landscaping) and other aspects. The main criteria for the optimization of park zones are: preservation of the existing priority direction of territory use while increasing the protection regime of individual areas; preservation of green areas and historical integrity of the territory; preservation and restoration of the formed landscape and architectural features of parks-monuments of garden and park art; appropriate territorial ratio of functional zones, organization of care for park territories at the level of local authorities and compliance with rules of use. Arrangements of park and green areas of cities from different countries were compared. Keywords: park areas, modern trends, green areas.

Reconciling the Mismatch: Creating a Regenerative Framework for Regional Planning

The world is urbanizing rapidly, and many urbanized regions deplete and degrade their environment. The additional polycrisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, epidemics, food insecurity, and reduced water, air, and soil quality asks for a transformational vision for the design and planning of these urban regions. Current planning practices are not able to respond to the complexity of the problems associated with the polycrisis. At the same time, regenerative thinking has not yet been practical enough to be accepted into spatial planning practices and create regenerative regions that can respond to the global polycrisis. This mismatch reinforces the status quo of well-thought-through regenerative frameworks on the one hand and ongoing spatial planning in urban regions on the other. The aim of this study is to create a regenerative framework for regional planning. A range of regenerative frameworks have been analyzed and integrated into one ’framework of frameworks’, highlighting clusters of attributes describing the ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘how’, and ‘who’ of what needs to happen to create a regenerative world. On the other hand, expert judgement of planning practices in nine urban regions around the world provided insight about the priorities for regional regenerative development. This clarified the ‘what’ and ‘where’ of different aspects of urban planning in the region. Bringing the theoretical frameworks and practical understanding of urban planning together, the regenerative framework for regional planning provides a practical approach for navigating the complexities of creating a regenerative region. It starts by backtracking to the 1st generation city (of first settlements and indigenous understanding of the land). When this equilibrium is found, it is used to create a vision for the 3rd generation city (in which regenerative potentials are fully used). The comparison with the 2nd generation city (a current anthropogenic industrial city) clarifies what must change, how this change can be achieved, and who the agents of change are to make it happen.

DEFINITION OF THE EXPOSURE MODEL FOR THE CASE STUDY KARPOSH IN SKOPJE ACCORDING TO TWO URBAN SCENARIOS

<p class="ABSTRACT">The application of seismic design codes is crucially important for the seismic safety of the built environment developed in earthquake prone regions. However, there are also buildings built before the introduction of seismic design codes. Seismic risk assessment is a useful process which can help identify the seismic safety of the urban regions with buildings belonging to different periods. Defining the components of seismic risk; hazard, exposure and vulnerability is a very important step in order to obtain reliable seismic risk assessment results. The focus of this research paper is on defining the exposure model attributes in the case study Karposh. Characteristic for the case study is the fact that it consists of buildings built in different periods, before and after the introduction of seismic design codes. There are also buildings which have been structurally modified and resulted with mixed structures. The approach in the definition of the exposure model is based on urban planning aspects as well and the exposure model is defined according to two urban scenarios, scenario 1 - the existing site and scenario 2 - the planned site.</p>

Research on the Evaluation Methods of Microclimatic Impacts of Traditional Residential Architectural Layouts in Shenyang

Urban environments are complex ecosystems where buildings, spaces, and human activities intertwine to influence the local climate, giving rise to what is known as the urban microclimate. This microclimate encompasses variations in temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and precipitation that occur in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts. These variations are not trivial; they significantly affect energy consumption, human comfort, and health, making the study of urban microclimates an essential aspect of sustainable urban planning [81]. The interplay between residential architecture and microclimatic conditions is a critical facet of urban environmental research. As cities grow, the configuration of built environments can significantly affect thermal comfort, air quality, and energy consumption, thereby dictating the liveability and sustainability of urban spaces. This study explores how specific residential layouts—row, diagonal, staggered gable, and enclosed—each manipulate air flow, sunlight exposure, and heat retention differently, contributing to varied microclimatic outcomes within urban neighborhoods.

Socialist in content, national in form: Small-scale housing estates in Budapest between 1945 and 1960

Abstract In the second half of the 20th century, solving the housing crisis became a significant social issue and political task throughout Europe, particularly in the countries of the Eastern Bloc. Although due to its quantity, prefabricated large mass housing estates became overrepresented, dozens of smaller, experimental, and diverse mass housing forms also emerged. It is hypothesized, that these small housing estates, due to their scale and quality, are urban planning projects that were realized across political, economic, and architectural changes. To demonstrate their adaptability, this paper presents the small housing estates built in one of the capitals of the Eastern Bloc countries—Budapest—during the most turbulent one-and-a-half decades of the socialist era (1945–1960). The research consists of three main parts: (1) Hungarian politics and housing policy, (2) Budapest's urban policy, and (3) a brief presentation of the urban planning and architectural aspects of Budapest's small housing estates. The result of the research is the creation of a complete small housing estates portfolio, illustrated archive articles, archival plans, and photographs. It becomes evident that although the times from World War II to the consolidation of power saw vastly different political eras, directives, and ideals realized, along with various architectural styles and housing policies, the small housing estate as an urban planning product was able to adapt and survive. Moreover, it is a valuable architectural, housing, and urban planning imprint of the era, the only mass housing form realized in numerous examples in Budapest.

Perceptions of stakeholders on nature-based solutions in urban planning: A thematic analysis in six European cities

A commonly addressed aspect of urban planning involves the integration of nature-based solutions (NBS). Before applying NBS, acquiring stakeholders' viewpoints, e.g., city councils, local governments, and academia, contributes to the successful application and thus to mitigation of global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, water, and food scarcity. The present study explores how stakeholders across Europe view the role of NBS in urban planning. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns, themes, and concepts within interview transcripts gathered through semi-structured interviews held in Budapest, Cordoba, Ljubljana, Reykjavik, Vienna, and Zurich. The study resulted in 107 distinctive codes categorized into NBS benefits, challenges, opportunities, NBS actors, and regulations. The frequency of codes (Fr) mentioned by the interviewees showed that NBS benefit cooperation (Fr=125) between individuals, while the most challenging issue obstructing NBS implementation was the lack of NBS knowledge (Fr=93). The need for green areas (Fr=42) was identified as an opportunity that could give rise to NBS applications. This study also provides practical recommendations to overcome some barriers when implementing NBS.

Safety of Cyclists in Poland in the Context of European Road Traffic

The growing interest in cycling as a means of urban transport has led to an increased focus on cyclist safety as a key aspect of urban planning and transport policy. Simulation studies conducted by the International Transport Forum have demonstrated that reductions in CO2 and other pollutants can be achieved in the context of urban transport, thus realising the goals of decarbonising road transport. The spread of modal transport in cities is a potential reality within the next decade. Bicycles play a significant role in this context. This article presents an analysis of data on accidents involving cyclists. National and international data were analysed to identify the main risk factors. The aim of the paper is to analyse the risk to cyclists with an attempt to identify and map the five biggest risks to cyclists in urban traffic. The aim of the research is to raise awareness of cyclist safety issues and to identify directions for further action to reduce accidents and improve overall road safety. The results of the conducted analyses indicate that the risk for cyclists in road traffic (including urban traffic) has been on a noticeable downward trend over the past five to ten years. This trend allows for the mapping of the most significant types/risks in cycling in urban environments, thereby enabling the implementation of risk management strategies based on the method of risk mapping.

Evaluating the Landscape and Ecological Aspects of Urban Planning in Byblos: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Assessing Urban Forests

Byblos, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as one of Lebanon’s most ancient urban centers, known for its expansive green spaces. However, ongoing urbanization threatens these valuable areas. This study uses a multi-faceted approach to evaluate the structure and landscape attributes of Byblos’ urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs). Landscape canopy cover, diversity indices, forest structure, and a silhouette perceptual test were assessed across 24 streets in the city center, residential zones, and areas with heavy vehicular traffic. Findings reveal that 28% of Byblos’ canopy cover is concentrated mostly in the northeastern region. Native tree species account for 30% of the total, and a notable variation in tree diversity exists among different land-use types (Shannon diversity index (H) was 1.02 for the city center, 1.35 for residential streets, and 0.64 for vehicular areas). Additionally, a normal J-shaped distribution of tree diameters was identified across all street types. This study highlights a correlation between tree silhouettes and visual preferences, with densely spreading canopies being favored. Residential trees demonstrate the highest structural diversity and varied blossoming seasons. This research represents the first investigation into the current state of urban forestry in Byblos and offers recommendations for sustainable management and planning strategies.

The missing link in the sustainability chain: Gulf women

Purpose This paper offers a unique perspective on the urbanisation process in developing cities, with a particular focus on the region of the Gulf States. Beyond economic considerations, the analysis sheds light on the complex interplay of socio-cultural factors, gender dynamics and urban development. Based on the calls for human-centred approaches to rethinking urban design and management of cities require the integration of these cities’ inhabitants’ lived experiences, that impact residents’ daily lives. The focus is on the importance of women’s perspectives in the development process.Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a systematic literature review that builds on existing knowledge relating to urbanisation, modernisation, sustainable cities, gender and the Arabian Gulf. It uses Lefebvre’s 'right to the city' theory to understand the evolution of the Gulf Cities which is a novel approach. This adaptation offers a unique perspective on the transformations and challenges that these urban spaces face. Furthermore, it offers a firm foundation for developing advanced knowledge on the interdisciplinary nature of the topic discussed and assists in integrating empirical findings and perspectives from different resources.Findings The extreme levels of transformation in urbanisation in the Gulf States built cities that are no longer solely places for settlement, production and services but operate as significant influencers on the social, economic and political relations that produced design and cultural challenges. These cities became epicentres of power and politics that shaped the national visions and influenced policy. The process of inclusive and considerate urban development that the Arabian Gulf region is aiming to embark on is not a new exclusive strategy. But a process that has been implemented and tested in other urbanised areas globally.Research limitations/implications Very little historical urban research on the Arabian Gulf countries exists, hence, the difficulty in researching the Gulf urbanisation process or providing historical encounters of the change.Originality/value This paper delves into the gendered aspects of urban planning, an aspect that is frequently overlooked. It contributes to the discourse on gender inclusivity in urban spaces by focussing on Khaleeji women’s experiences, offering insights that go beyond economic considerations. The use of Lefebvre’s “right to the city” theory to understand the evolution of the Gulf Cities is a unique approach. It investigates the interaction of various factors such as economic, cultural and political influences on Gulf urban development. This adaptation offers a distinctive perspective on the transformations and challenges that these urban spaces face.

ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РЕШЕНИЯ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ ПРОБЛЕМ В МЕГАПОЛИСАХ И ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ ПРОЕКТНОГО МЫШЛЕНИЯ

Congestion in megacities due to extreme population density and insufficient transport infrastructure leads to serious consequences. Traffic jams not only cause inconvenience for passengers, but also have a negative impact on the economy and the environment. In order to stabilize the situation and eliminate the negative impact of inefficient traffic on the life of megacities, it is necessary to review previously used techniques and identify new measures to solve the problem. Research methods include a review and systematization of information sources related to economic, urban planning and social aspects of transport infrastructure. By summarizing and comparing the results of domestic and foreign experience in eliminating traffic congestion, outdated methods were identified and trends in the development of design thinking in the field of construction of road spaces were identified. Current ratings of transport systems make it possible to fix a list of leaders with an effective policy for the development of public transport. Conceptual modeling demonstrates modern features of the placement of road networks within the city. To improve urban mobility, an integrated approach is required: active implementation of innovations in the transport structure, changing urban planning thinking, reviewing management impacts, changing priorities in favor of the needs of pedestrians and informing the public, involving it in the modernization process. These techniques will create modern and smart urban spaces that meet the needs of modern society.

Investigating Noise Mapping in Cities to Associate Noise Levels with Sources of Noise Using Crowdsourcing Applications

Environmental noise is a major environmental concern in metropolitan cities. The rapid social and economic growth in the 20th century is not always accompanied by adequate land planning and environmental management measures. As a consequence of rapid urbanization processes, cities are facing an increase in noise pollution. Noise is being recognized as a serious environmental problem and one which must be accounted for in a sustained development policy designed to improve the quality of life for citizens. Therefore, the monitoring of noise is a crucial aspect of urban planning to allow urban planners to create harmonious and livable environments for communities worldwide. This research aims at assessing the noise levels and associated sources of noise in downtown areas through the involvement of crowdsourcing techniques. The incorporation of noise mapping and increased public awareness are achieved by a framework that enables a comparative scheme between two cities: Alexandria, Egypt and Zagreb, Croatia. The methodology depends on combining crowdsourcing techniques using mobile applications and geographic information system (GIS) tools to detect and analyze noise. Finally, this research provides a comparison between the two cities using the adopted methodology and introduces recommendations to enhance urban planning decisions.

Definition of the city in the legal aspect of urban development

The article provides a general overview of the definition of a city in the legal aspect of urban development. The relevance of the study is due to the lack of a generally accepted legally fixed definition of a city at the federal level, the variety of interpretations of this concept at the regional level and the identified cases of inconsistency of administrative boundaries with real urban boundaries. This leads to the fact that the established categories of settlements are often a reflection of administrative management, rather than the real spatial structure; there is no clear understanding of the degree of real urbanization of Russia and the number of cities in it. The study examines cases of inconsistency between the administrative boundaries of cities and their actual spatial characteristics. The object of the study is the definition of the city, the subject of the study is the representation of the concept of the city in the legislation regulating urban development.The article analyzes the upper-level regulations, laws on the administrative and territorial structure of various subjects of the Russian Federation, and statistical data. Various approaches to the concept of a city in the legislation on the administrative-territorial structure of the subjects of the Russian Federation are identified and the signs of classifying a settlement as a city contained in them are considered. It is established that the definition of a city in the legal field is vague, its urban planning and spatial planning aspects are lost. The city ceases to be considered as a real physical space and is replaced by administrative-territorial and municipal categories. It is necessary to develop a unified conceptual framework and criteria fixed at the federal level for classifying settlements as urban, taking into account regional peculiarities. The development of a unified methodology for determining the criteria of urban structure based on spatial characteristics will help determine the number of cities in Russia and determine the real degree of urbanization of the country.