Spatial Distribution of ICT in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region

Abstract

Information and communication technologies, and the Internet as one of their most prominent uses, are adopted on a massive scale around the globe. Although we do not know much about their pattern and impact, these technologies exert substantial influence on our daily lives and environments. The main objective of this chapter is to empirically explore the spatial distribution of ICT infrastructure and activities and local planning responses to ICT in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. The existence of an ICT cluster suggests the spatial unevenness of ICT infrastructure and activities in the study region, and reveals the tendency of ICT to concentrate within certain urban areas. The findings will provide valuable insights for planners to capture the opportunities offered by ICT and manage the impact of ICT -related developments.