What defines urban land in environmental science?

Urban land is defined primarily by its characteristics of being dominated by human development. This includes cities, towns, and other areas where the infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and other facilities created by humans are prevalent. Urban areas are characterized by high population density and significant human impact on the environment, which differentiates them from rural areas that may still be largely rural or agricultural.

The presence of structures, transport networks, and various forms of human activity leads to changes in land use, ecosystem functions, and environmental dynamics. Consequently, urban land surfaces interact differently with ecological processes compared to agricultural land, natural landscapes, or conservation areas, making the definition tied closely to human development and urbanization processes.