Methodology aimed at evaluating urban life quality levels

The paper explores the theoretical and conceptual aspects of urban life quality (ULQ) synthesized in a model that includes the physical support of the cities, in our case of intermediate scales. This model considers the interactions between basic services, infrastructure and environmental aspects. Maps are shown which localize and define the state of basic needs in infrastructure, services and environment quality. The most vulnerable areas and trends in life quality are identified from the integration of different urban services and environmental aspects according to their consolidation. This allowed us to define homogeneous areas with significant differences in quality and singularities among urban services and environmental aspects. Finally, we make some methodological and operational considerations regarding advantages and limitations experienced in implementing the model. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.