Mapping Randstad Holland revisited

Abstract

This article revisits the Atlas Randstad Holland, first published in OverHolland in 2005, by extending its cartographic and analytical framework with a new reference year: 2020. Building on a long-term mapping project that visualises 170 years of spatial development in the western Netherlands, the authors add a new layer representing the period 2000–2020 to the composite map of the Randstad. Using updated digital datasets, GIS techniques and recent landscape classifications, the article reconstructs changes in built-up areas, infrastructure and landscape and places them within a broader historical perspective.

The analysis reveals four distinct types of spatial development in the past two decades: large contiguous urban extensions largely resulting from earlier national planning policies (notably VINEX locations); fragmented, scattered development driven by market forces and the absence of national spatial policy; stand-alone developments such as holiday parks in sensitive landscapes; and clusters of logistics and distribution centres along motorways. Together, these patterns demonstrate a clear shift from nationally coordinated spatial planning towards locally driven and market-led development.

By projecting recent urbanisation onto long-term landscape structures, the article shows how the historical relationship between landscape, infrastructure and settlement patterns has weakened since the late twentieth century. Whereas earlier urban development was strongly guided by natural conditions and later by coherent national planning frameworks, spatial development since 2000 has become increasingly fragmented and inconsistent.

The authors conclude that the prolonged absence of national spatial policy has resulted in a lack of spatial coherence, growing pressure on landscapes, infrastructure bottlenecks and an inability to address major societal challenges such as housing shortages, climate adaptation and energy transition. The updated atlas is presented not only as an analytical tool, but also as a critical instrument for rethinking future spatial planning in the Randstad.