Tettstedsområder

Tettstedsområder, often translated as "urban areas" or "settlements," are a statistical concept used in Norway to define and delineate continuously built-up areas. These areas are characterized by a concentration of buildings and infrastructure, with a minimum population threshold. The primary purpose of defining tettstedsområder is to provide a standardized way to measure and analyze urbanization across the country.

The Norwegian Mapping Authority (Kartverket) is responsible for identifying and defining these areas, often in collaboration with Statistics Norway (SSB). A tettstedsområde typically includes residential buildings, commercial establishments, industrial sites, and associated infrastructure like roads, parks, and public spaces. The key criterion is the continuous nature of the built-up environment, meaning there should be no significant uninhabited areas separating the buildings.

The population threshold for a tettstedsområde is generally set at a minimum of 200 inhabitants. However, there are also considerations for the density of housing and the proximity of buildings. Areas that meet the criteria are mapped and registered, serving as valuable data for urban planning, transportation studies, and demographic analysis. Understanding tettstedsområder helps in comprehending population distribution, the extent of urban development, and the spatial organization of society in Norway.