tätortsgränseren

A tätortsgräns, or urban area boundary, in Sweden refers to the officially defined edge of a continuously built-up area. These boundaries are established by Statistics Sweden (SCB) for statistical purposes, primarily to delineate what constitutes a tätort, which is a settlement with at least 200 inhabitants and where the distance between houses is generally no more than 200 meters.

The concept of tätortsgränser is crucial for understanding urban development and population distribution in Sweden. It helps in analyzing the size and growth of urban areas, distinct from administrative municipal boundaries. A tätort can therefore span across multiple municipalities, or a single municipality can contain several distinct tätorter.

SCB revises these boundaries periodically, usually every five years, based on aerial photography and ground surveys. The aim is to accurately reflect the current physical extent of urban development. Factors considered include the presence of buildings, infrastructure such as roads and parks, and the density of housing. Areas of open land or significant undeveloped spaces within a built-up zone are generally not included.

Understanding tätortsgränser is important for urban planners, researchers, and anyone interested in the spatial organization of Swedish society. It provides a standardized way to measure and compare urban areas across the country, offering insights into patterns of suburbanization, infill development, and the overall urban landscape.