I hear some cities call the larger area as metro (Vancouver) and other cities call it greater (Toronto). Is there a functional difference? Generally speaking, is one more urbanized than the other?

  • yeehaw@lemmy.ca
    0·
    6 months ago

    According to gpt-4o:

    The distinction between “greater” and “metro” areas can vary, but generally:

    1. Greater Area: Refers to a broader region that encompasses a primary city and its surrounding suburbs, towns, and rural areas. This term emphasizes the inclusion of all areas that are socially and economically linked to the primary city. For example, “Greater London” includes not only the city of London but also its surrounding boroughs and smaller towns.

    2. Metropolitan (Metro) Area: Focuses more on the urban core and its directly connected suburbs and cities. It typically includes the main city and its high-density surrounding areas that share infrastructure, economy, and services. A metropolitan area is often defined by commuting patterns and economic interdependence. For example, the “New York Metropolitan Area” includes New York City and its densely populated surrounding counties in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

    While both terms describe regions that extend beyond a single city, “greater” is often more expansive and includes more diverse types of areas, whereas “metro” emphasizes the contiguous urban and suburban zones directly tied to the city.