Urban Growth Over Time and Planning Choices

GeographyPopulation & SettlementAges 12–13

A city seen from above: a historic core at the center, with built-up rings spreading outward along transport routes. Click Run to grow the population year by year and watch built-up area, city radius, congestion and pollution change with it. Change the population growth rate and pick a planning direction (unplanned sprawl, a protected greenbelt, transit-first, or satellite towns), then compare: with the same population, a planned city moves more smoothly, pollutes less, and keeps more green space. Click the map to inspect each ring.