Territorial diagnosis of the Dominican Republic
Description
The research hypothesis guiding this work is based on the premise that the territorial and urban diagnosis of the Southern, Northern, and Eastern regions of the Dominican Republic makes it possible to identify imbalances in urban planning and to understand the differentiated dynamics between primary and secondary cities. This analysis facilitates the interpretation of growth patterns, infrastructure distribution, and opportunities for sustainable regional development. The collected data show that each region presents particularities in its territorial structure: in the South, a marked population dispersion and deficiencies in basic infrastructure; in the North, concentration in urban hubs with greater economic dynamism; and in the East, growth linked to tourism that impacts territorial configuration. Likewise, the contrast between primary and secondary cities reveals inequalities in access to services, urban planning, and integration with their regional context. The most relevant findings highlight the need to strengthen regional and urban planning through management instruments that integrate environmental, economic, and social factors. These results can be interpreted as evidence of the urgency of a balanced approach to territorial development that not only enhances primary cities but also consolidates the strategic role of secondary cities within the national urban network. The information was collected through regional surveys, direct observation, cartographic analysis, document review, and field studies conducted as part of the course Urban Design II (ARQ-804). The data can be used as inputs for future research in urbanism and territorial planning, as well as for the formulation of regional planning proposals that address the current challenges of urban development in the country.
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Steps to reproduce
The data were generated within the framework of the course Urban Design II (ARQ-804) through a methodological process of territorial diagnosis applied to the Southern, Northern, and Eastern regions of the Dominican Republic. To replicate the research, the following steps are recommended: 1. Definition of the territorial scope o Delimit the three study regions (South, North, and East) according to national geographic and administrative criteria. 2. Collection of regional information o Gather socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental data from official sources (ONE, MEPyD, municipalities, regional plans, among others). o Perform cartographic analysis of official plans and maps available from public institutions and digital repositories. 3. Urban planning o Identify primary and secondary urban centers. o Assess territorial connectivity and existing infrastructure. 4. Comparative study of primary and secondary cities o Apply analytical matrices including variables such as population density, land use, provision of basic services, road infrastructure, and economic dynamics. o Classify cities according to their role in the national urban network. 5. Techniques and instruments used o Cartography and GIS: Google Earth, QGIS, and official plans available from national entities. o Statistical sources: ONE (National Statistics Office), Central Bank, sectoral ministries. o Direct observation and photographic recording: Visits to selected cities within each region. o Analytical matrices and graphic schemes developed with design software (AutoCAD, Illustrator, PowerPoint).