Methodological Approach for Classifying Typical Recurrent Urban and Peri-Urban Configurations

Qualitative characterization of urban and peri-urban areas is widely studied in literature and definitions varies by geographic areas and specific characteristics. The paper aims at presenting a methodology to distinguish urban and peri-urban representative configurations by the means of artificial soil data, satellite images and qualitative interpretation of urban elements. The obtained classification covers 6 classes of 2 square-km recurrent configurations that are functional to the purposes of the integrated project LIFE IMAGINE Umbria, which aims at protection of habitats, biodiversity and local communities related to the Natura 2000 Network in Umbria region (Italy). The case study area is composed of two Functional Urban Areas: Perugia and Terni. The obtained results have already been supportive of planning strategies related to the project’s outputs. The paper aims to approach and discuss the methodological approach in relation to its main scope in the LIFE IMAGINE Umbria project and to future developments and applications.