Mapping Metropolitan Structures with Digital Models as a Supporting Tool in Spatial and Strategical Planning—The Case Study of the GZM Metropolis

This study presents the results of comprehensive functional-spatial analyses conducted using cellular models in relation to the cities of the GZM Metropolis and its surroundings. The Abbreviation “GZM” stands for Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia, due to its location, which in English has been recognized as the GZM Metropolis. The GZM Metropolis, the largest metropolitan area in Poland, has a complex administrative and spatial structure that includes 41 very diverse municipalities, which poses a significant challenge in interpreting data and understanding its complexity. The research was conducted by a multi-person and interdisciplinary team using various tools, including geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical data. The spatial models built on the basis of the collected data were visualized using augmented reality tools to facilitate data interpretation. Special attention was paid to environmental aspects, especially blue-green infrastructure, which plays a key role in maintaining this heavily urbanized area. Furthermore, the authors developed urbanization scenario models for the GZM Metropolis based on their own approaches to cellular modeling and examined the integration of artificial intelligence techniques to further refine these forecasts.