Defining and Effectively Delineating the Peri-Urban Area: A Synthesis and Analysis from a Literature Review

Peri-urban areas are neither urban nor rural in the conventional sense; and their conditions and issues are different from urban and rural areas, which mix both with complexities. Nowadays, there is no uniform definition for these areas, nor is there an unequivocal method for delineating them. It is therefore essential to define the peri-urban areas, in order to develop appropriate policies to manage and address these complicated issues. Hence, this paper reviews and evaluates the literature and applications that encompass fundamental theories to answer critical questions. The paper finds that the peri-urban area is a transition zone between urban and rural elements and mainly has transitional, “vacuum,” or complex characteristics. It confirms that quantitative delineation has become the primary means for defining the ranges of peri-urban areas. The research suggests that the data and appropriate analytical methods of quantitative delineation should be selected, to refer to the local characteristics of peri-urban areas. Furthermore, the ranges of peri-urban areas can be delineated based on data collection and integrated analysis from the dimensions of social order, economic development, environmental resource, and administrative governance. Appropriate methods help improve the accuracy of defining these peri-urban areas, helping to supplement development strategies and decision-making processes.