Analysis of appropriate and inappropriate land use for thedevelopment of public policies in the Metropolitan Zone of SantiagoTianguistenco

Abstract

Metropolization is a phenomenon that rapidly transforms territory, generating economic development
but also leading to socio-environmental issues, particularly when lacking proper territorial planning
and management. In Mexico, the establishment of Metropolitan Zones results from a comprehensive
methodological process; however, cases such as the Santiago Tianguistenco Metropolitan Zone
(ZMST), designated in 2016, reveal a lack of studies assessing appropriate land use and the
effectiveness of public policies influencing its development. This study, framed within the LandUse and Land-Cover Change (LUCC) approach, analyzes the relationship between land use, urban
expansion, and territorial governance, as well as the relevant policies and studies concerning the
ZMST. Findings indicate that, although a robust regulatory framework exists, local policies require
strategic updates. A comparative geospatial analysis between potential and current land use models
allowed the identification of both appropriate and inappropriate land uses, revealing a high percentage
of unsuitable land use and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the territory’s
development dynamics.