#### 648A geographer using GIS data finds that the area of a rapidly expanding urban zone increases by 15% each year. If the initial area was 240 square kilometers in 2020, what will its area be in 2025, assuming exponential growth?

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:15:47 +0000

# #### 648A geographer using GIS data finds that the area of a rapidly expanding urban zone increases by 15% each year. If the initial area was 240 square kilometers in 2020, what will its area be in 2025, assuming exponential growth? ### Why Urban Expansion Through GIS Data Matters Now Cities across the United States are transforming at an accelerating pace, driven by population growth, migration patterns, and evolving land-use planning. Geographic researchers and urban planners increasingly rely on GIS technology to map these shifts with precision. Recent modeling shows that urban zones are expanding by approximately 15% annually—outpacing older patterns of steady development. This trend reflects a broader shift in how communities grow, where infrastructure, housing demands, and economic activity converge in compacting and spreading outward zones. Understanding this dynamic through data-driven tools like GIS offers critical insights for policymakers, developers, and residents alike. ### Why #### 648A geographer using GIS data finds that the area of a rapidly expanding urban zone increases by 15% each year. If the initial area was 240 square kilometers in 2020, what will its area be in 2025, assuming exponential growth?