Alternative Text Description for Developed in 2070 Conservation Scenario

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays projected developed lands across the state of Florida under the Conservation 2070 scenario. The map represents a future land use pattern that assumes increased redevelopment of existing urban areas, higher development densities in new greenfield areas, and enhanced protection for agricultural and natural lands. This scenario is part of the Sea Level 2040/2070 project examining potential development patterns and population distribution in response to sea level rise and growth pressures.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, from the panhandle region in the northwest (including Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Dothan) to the southern peninsula (including Miami and the Florida Keys). Major cities labeled on the map include Jacksonville on the northeast coast, Gainesville and Orlando in the central region, Tampa and St. Petersburg on the west coast, and Cape Coral, Naples, and Coral Springs in southern Florida. The map extends to show portions of neighboring states including southern Alabama and Georgia to the north. The Gulf of America forms the western boundary, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the eastern coast.

KEY INSIGHTS

Development in the 2070 Conservation scenario is heavily concentrated in the central and southern regions of the Florida peninsula. The most substantial areas of projected development form a dense corridor extending from Jacksonville southward through Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and into southwest Florida around Cape Coral and Naples. The southeast coast shows extensive development along the Atlantic from Palm Beach through Miami. The northern panhandle region displays relatively sparse and scattered development compared to the peninsula. Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida appears largely undeveloped, maintaining its current status as a preserved natural area. The conservation-focused scenario clearly emphasizes concentration of development in existing urban cores rather than dispersed greenfield expansion.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Developed in 2070 Conservation Scenario

This layer represents the projected spatial distribution of developed lands under the Conservation 2070 scenario.

Developed Areas (red polygons)

Appearance:

Red polygons of varying sizes, ranging from small scattered dots to large concentrated clusters.

Distribution:

Developed areas appear throughout Florida, with the heaviest concentrations in the central and southern peninsula. The eastern coastal areas show nearly continuous development from Jacksonville through Miami. Central Florida displays extensive development around Orlando and extending southwest toward Tampa. The Gulf coast shows substantial development around Tampa-St. Petersburg and in southwest Florida near Cape Coral and Naples.

Notable locations:

Spatial patterns:

Development shows strong clustering around existing major metropolitan areas. A distinct central corridor runs from Jacksonville through Orlando and southwest toward Tampa. The pattern reveals concentration rather than dispersal, with clear gaps preserved between urban centers. Coastal areas show linear development patterns following the shoreline. The interior portions of the peninsula remain largely undeveloped, particularly around Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades region. The panhandle region shows isolated pockets of development rather than continuous urbanization.

Overlapping Patterns

The conservation scenario maintains clear separation between major developed areas, with agricultural and natural lands preserved in the gaps. The development pattern respects environmentally sensitive areas, particularly visible in the limited development around Lake Okeechobee and southern wetland regions.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents one of five scenarios produced by the Sea Level 2040/2070 project to explore potential future land use patterns in Florida. The Conservation 2070 scenario specifically models a future that prioritizes compact development, infill and redevelopment of existing urban areas, higher gross development densities in new greenfield development compared to historical patterns, and intentional protection of agricultural and natural lands. This scenario contrasts with the Sprawl 2070 scenario, which assumes continuation of low-density greenfield development patterns. The map is intended for regional planning, conservation strategy development, and policy analysis related to growth management and climate adaptation. Base map features including county boundaries and city labels are shown for geographic reference but are not part of the thematic dataset.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

This dataset was produced through the Sea Level 2040/2070 project, a joint effort of the University of Florida's Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, 1000 Friends of Florida, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The data represents modeled projections based on population forecasts from the Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, incorporating assumptions about development patterns, redevelopment rates, density increases, and land conservation priorities. The source layer is SL2070_CONSERVATION_MAY23.

Definition Query:

No definition query or filter criteria was specified for this view. The map displays the full extent of projected developed lands in the Conservation 2070 scenario.

Scale Information:

The map is displayed at a statewide scale suitable for regional planning and policy analysis. This scale reveals general patterns of development concentration and conservation but does not show parcel-level or site-specific detail.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

This dataset represents a projected future scenario for the year 2070. The baseline conditions used to develop the scenario reflect land use patterns existing in 2019. The scenario incorporates population projections and development assumptions extending to 2070.

Limitations:

This is a modeled scenario representing one possible future development pattern rather than a prediction or forecast of actual future conditions. The accuracy of the projection depends on numerous assumptions about population growth, development patterns, policy decisions, economic conditions, and implementation of conservation measures. Actual development patterns will vary based on market forces, policy changes, infrastructure investments, climate impacts, and other factors not fully captured in the scenario modeling. The data should be used for comparative scenario analysis and strategic planning rather than site-specific development decisions.

Map Coverage:

The map covers the entire state of Florida, including the panhandle, peninsula, and Florida Keys. Small portions of southern Alabama and Georgia are visible in the northern extent for geographic context. The map extends into the Gulf of America on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.