Alternative Text Description for Developed in 2070 Sprawl Scenario

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays projected developed lands across Florida under a sprawl development scenario for the year 2070. The map shows where urban and suburban development is anticipated to occur if future growth continues following historical low-density, greenfield development patterns observed in 2010. This projection represents one of several scenarios produced to help planners and decision-makers understand potential land use futures and their implications for Florida's landscape.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, extending from the Panhandle region in the northwest through the peninsula to the southern tip near Miami. Major cities labeled on the map include Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Cape Coral, and Miami. Neighboring states visible include portions of Alabama and Georgia to the north. The Gulf of America appears along the western and northwestern coastline, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the eastern coast. The Straits of Florida are labeled at the southern extent of the map.

KEY INSIGHTS

The map reveals that projected development under the 2070 sprawl scenario is most concentrated along Florida's east coast, particularly around Jacksonville, the Orlando-Tampa corridor in central Florida, and the southeastern coastal region near Miami. A second major concentration of development extends along the Gulf of America coast, with substantial growth projected around Tampa-St. Petersburg and southward through Cape Coral. The Panhandle region shows moderate development concentrated near Pensacola and Tallahassee. Central interior portions of the state show scattered development clusters, while large areas of northern and central Florida remain relatively undeveloped in this scenario. The spatial pattern indicates development radiating outward from existing urban centers and extending along major transportation corridors and coastal areas.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Developed in 2070 Sprawl Scenario

This layer represents lands projected to be developed by 2070 under sprawl growth assumptions.

Projected Developed Areas (red fill pattern)

Appearance:

Areas are shown in red, appearing as clusters and patches of varying sizes distributed across the state.

Distribution:

Development is distributed throughout Florida but shows strong concentration along both coastlines and in major metropolitan regions. The eastern coast from Jacksonville to Miami shows nearly continuous development clusters. Central Florida, particularly around Orlando, displays dense concentrations. The western coast shows substantial development around Tampa Bay and extending southward. The Panhandle region shows more scattered development primarily near coastal and urban areas.

Notable locations:

Spatial patterns:

Development displays a dispersed, sprawling pattern radiating from existing urban centers. Clusters appear along major highway corridors connecting cities. Coastal areas show linear development patterns following shorelines. Interior regions show more fragmented, scattered development patches. The pattern suggests low-density, outward expansion from existing urban cores rather than infill or concentrated growth.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents one of multiple scenarios developed to explore different possible futures for Florida's land use and development patterns. The Sprawl 2070 scenario specifically models what would occur if all new development through 2070 happens on undeveloped greenfield sites at the same gross development densities that existed in each county in 2010. This scenario serves as a contrast to alternative approaches such as the Conservation 2070 scenario, which assumes higher densities, more redevelopment, and greater protection of natural and agricultural lands. The map is intended for planning and policy analysis purposes, helping stakeholders visualize the spatial implications of different development approaches. Areas shown as developed represent the full extent of urban and suburban land uses projected under this scenario's assumptions.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

This dataset was produced through the Sea Level 2040/2070 project, a collaborative 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 projection is based on population data from the Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research and applies spatial modeling techniques to distribute future development across the landscape according to sprawl scenario assumptions. Data source layer name: SL2070_SPRAWL_MAY23.

Definition Query:

No definition query or filter criteria was applied. The map displays the complete dataset of projected developed lands for the 2070 sprawl scenario.

Scale Information:

The map displays statewide coverage at a scale appropriate for regional and state-level planning analysis. The level of detail is suitable for understanding broad development patterns and regional trends rather than parcel-level precision.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

This dataset represents a projection for the year 2070, created in May 2023. The projection is based on development density patterns observed in 2010 and population projections extending to 2070.

Limitations:

This map represents a scenario projection rather than a prediction or plan. Actual development patterns will depend on numerous factors including policy decisions, economic conditions, environmental constraints, infrastructure investments, and land use regulations. The scenario assumes continuation of 2010 development densities and patterns, which may not reflect actual future conditions. The projection does not account for potential changes in development preferences, technology, climate impacts, or policy interventions that could alter development patterns.

Map Coverage:

The map covers the entire state of Florida from the Panhandle region to the southern tip of the peninsula. Small portions of neighboring states (Alabama and Georgia) are visible for geographic context. Surrounding water bodies including the Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean, and Straits of Florida are shown to provide spatial orientation.

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