The Development Intensity Zones (DIZ) geography as a block group-based assessment of existing development, largely formed from two analysis dimensions—density and proximity. Zones are classified from least to greatest development intensity.https://github.com/dvrpc/development-intensity-zones/blob/main/images/image.pngProtected zones are within block group-based geographies but are removed from density and proximity index calculations. DIZ also uses the presence of structures (i.e. housing units, commercial and industrial square footage) to calculate these indices. The DIZ covers the 9-county DVRPC region, along with surrounding counties for greater context beyond the region. The DIZ can be used for a variety of purposes. It provides simple classifications of the region’s areas by which data can be summed and analyzed. It can be used for policy applications, such as incentivizing where future growth or investment goes based on smart growth principles. It’s important to note that the DIZ classifications are based on the current presence of development, largely using housing units for residential intensity and commercial square feet for non-residential intensity. This captures used space and space with potential for use (vacant space) and the presence of infrastructure to build buildings, but if one’s analysis is more suited for the presence of people, other metrics such as population, households, and employment may be more appropriate. If future growth in development is desirable for one’s analysis, the DIZ does not capture that. For more information, see Methodology.Version 1 release Sept. 2023