The spatial pattern of brownfields and characteristics of redeveloped sites in the Ostrava metropolitan area (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Differences between brownfields and redeveloped sites in the Ostrava metropolitan area are subject to analysis in this paper. Environmental burden and former functional use were identified as statistically significant characteristics of such differences. In addition, relations between selected attributes of brownfields and redeveloped sites were analyzed using the "if-then" decision rules of the rough set method. In this way, the research demonstrated the significance of spatial aspects and identified two fundamental types of brownfields in the model area. The first type is represented by agricultural brownfields in the hinterland zone, that are characterized by a complicated ownership structure. Brownfields of the second type are located particularly in the inner city morphogenetic zone, and are characterized by potential problems with environmental burden. In this context, brownfields and redeveloped sites differ respectively in the combination of these characteristics.