Spatial Aspects of Suburbanization in the Hiterland of Presov in Slovakia

Abstract

The main objective of the paper is to analyze and evaluate what are the manifestations and impacts of suburbanization in the hinterland of the city of Presov. The first manifestations of suburbanization started in 1996 and continue even nowadays. This process brings several consequences, economic, social, demographic, environmental, etc. When looking at migration flows, Presov has shown a long-term decline in population. The municipalities located in its hinterland show an increase in population. In this paper we will focus mainly on the impacts of suburbanization in the landscape - landscape fragmentation, arable land grabbing and leapfrog development. The emphasis of the paper is on the analysis of aerial and historical imagery and field research to provide mapping and photo-documentation of spatial aspects in the study area.