Analysing the space-time dynamics of urban structure change using employment density and distribution data

The main objective of this paper was to examine patterns of growth and change in Sydney over the time period from 1981 to 2006. To achieve this aim, the paper took employment density as a structural dimension, and modelled the linear and interactive effects of this dimension in order to better understand the dynamics of urban spatial structure change in the Sydney metropolitan area. The estimation of the traditional negative exponential models of mono-centricity and poly-centricity indicated a polycentric pattern at the beginning and end of the study period. Employment density distributions, suggest a system of polycentric nodes of varying importance between 1981 and 2006. The legacy of this paper for the planning community is the importance of developing an evidence base, and application of concepts and advanced spatial techniques for urban spatial structure analysis.