Unfortunately, it appears as though every time the term is used, its definition as understood by the user is slightly different. For example, in some of the literature the term urban sprawl refers to all types of urban growth. In other studies, the term refers to a specific type of subdivision that is characterized by detached single houses. Given this historical context, I feel that it is important to clarify my own conception of the term. Upon careful review of the existing literature, I have arrived at a definition that contains most of the more commonly accepted sprawl components.
Researchers cite several different processes as the major driving forces behind urban sprawl.
As these dense urban areas approach a build-out stage and there is little room for any new development to take place, new locations are sought on the city s peripheries. For example, developments in internet technology now allow for meetings to be done online and have given consumers the opportunity to purchase goods from their personal computers. For example, gas prices have dropped so low that the cost of driving a car to and from a workplace is generally insignificant. People are simply in their cars for longer periods of time. This automobile dependence also drives global energy consumption that results in increased air pollution.