The knowledge of the amount and location of potential building land is important for spatial planning. Lacking in standardized and comparable information, iSPACE developed a method for the detection of unused but dedicated reserves for residential use on a parcel-scale. The GIS-tool was also calibrated for crossborder use in Austria and Germany and can identify serveral types of reserves.
Using demographic projections, scenarios can be created, whether and how long the future demand for building land can be met. Thereby spatial planners can evaluate and optimize measures for preventing urban sprawl by mobilization of existing reserves without opening up new building land.
