Abstract

Utah County, Utah, and more particularly the Utah Valley area, has undergone an enormous change during the last forty years. Rapid growth and urbanization brings with it the problems of urban sprawl. Controlling this sprawl is determined often times by an effective growth policy. Mapping and analyzing growth patterns and trends is a useful method in determining the effectiveness of the "growth towards the cities" policy of Utah County. Research was conducted by using maps, air photos, and field work in locating the growth history of the county.
Growth has been influenced by several factors among which are the physical, climatic, and economic make up of the county. It has also been influenced by policies directed to control the growth, not necessarily as to numbers but as to location. These policies have been successful in locating the majority of the increasing urbanization within the cities where services can be provided more economically. Since the county and the cities can grow only where water is available, the major factor in the location of future growth will be the location of water.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Geography

Rights

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