Urban Connectivity

What is Street-network Sprawl?

Street-network Sprawl is a way to measure urban sprawl, worldwide, through the connectedness of the streets. Less sprawl means more connected, more walkable streets. We calculate street-network sprawl for every mapped street on Earth.

Why is Street-network Sprawl important?

The street network is permanent, and its connectivity affects the livability and environmental footprint of cities for decades and centuries to come. In places with more connected streets, residents drive less and walk more. Sprawl is associated with worse outcomes for health, the environment, overconsumption, social segregation, and equity.

How do I use the site?

NavigatingStarting with the 'Globe' view, you can click on a country to enter the 'Zoomable map' mode. Keep zooming in to see more detail. Eventually you will see the individual roads.Sharing Share by Twitter from the “More” menu. You can also copy the URL from your browser to share your particular view (location and zoom level).

Would you like to help?

Yes! We need help with our translations. All the text needed for this page resides on this Google Doc. If you can help improve the translations for your language, or add a language, we will be very grateful. See the 'Report an issue' menu item on the main page's main menu for how to contact us with your contribution.

Where can I learn more?

See tables of street-network connectivity By country or by city for 200 cities; see the research papers behind the data; and read about what this means for citizens and planners, worldwide.