Processes of Change in Polish Metropolitan Areas - Spatial Aspects

The article discusses the processes of change in Polish metropolitan areas in the context of their spatial development. On the basis of literature overview a synthetic approach to the problems of the functioning of metropolitan areas is described. The most relevant assumptions of local and regional policies are presented. Both of them are related to the issues of spatial planning and management. The empirical part of the article shows findings of own research on the level of metropolitan areas’ development in the spatial context. The authors of the article propose a set of indicators which allow to measure the sustainable development level of local government units within metropolitan areas in Poland. A dynamic approach to the analysis of spatial processes in metropolitan areas is used.