Cape Cod Development Time Series, 1951–1999

The Cape Cod region is unique in Massachusetts because it has comprehensive historical land use spanning nearly 50 years. With this data, a time series of an area was created to observe change patterns. In this time series, land use information was collected for the years 1951, 1971, 1985, 1990, and 1999. An aggregate classification was used to represent the major types of land uses customarily found on Cape Cod. It was designed around relationships observed between the MacConnell Land Use classification scheme and the regionalized zoning code scheme presently in use by the Massachusetts Office of Geographic and Environmental Information.

By relating existing land use with zoning (potential land use), it is possible to build a model and make predictions about future land use trends. A trend of development is readily apparent in this time series. Initially, those areas along the immediate coastline were most densely developed. Since then, a steady migration of development inland has occurred. Higher density residential areas have flourished, primarily at the cost of natural vegetated lands. Furthermore, the increased infrastructure (specifically major roads) has served to attract even higher density uses especially those dedicated to commercial uses. Presently, almost half of all the land on Cape Cod can be classified as developed.