Summary
On this issue of the Regional Studies Review the focus on exploring census data illustrates this source¿s potential in the characterisation of territorial dynamics, namely urban sprawl types and spatial mobility patterns. The first study analyses flash results of the Census 2001 for the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo Region, in an attempt, through an inter-census comparison exercise, to point out major changes in this region in the past decade. Putting into evidence how important it is to understand urban sprawl phenomena, especially in metropolitan areas, the second article focuses on analysing the influence of the main roads on the evolution of the housing stock of the Lisboa Metropolitan Area over the past decade. In order to define and implement territorial development strategies, it is crucial to understand the phenomenon of the spatial mobility of populations. The last article presents an analysis benchmark integrating the variety of patterns underlying this phenomenon, namely migrations and commuting. The heading Conceitos e Metodologias (Concepts and Methodologies) presents the Geographic Information Referencing Base (Portuguese acronym: BGRI 2001), a geographical referencing system supporting the entire census operation, from collection to the dissemination of data.