If today everyone feels a sense of belonging to the metropolis, it is also true that the contours of this belonging have a changeable geometry. The view varies according to whether one is looking at topics such as mobility, housing, solidarity or local initiatives, but also many other aspects of local life, for example, the receptive nature of the urban fabric or the ambition to make the metropolis sustainable.
Cartography is interesting in that it illustrates these different realities and, most importantly, show the shared “characteristics” within the boundaries of the densely populated urban zone. In fact, the heart of the conurbation displays a markedly uniform appearance in terms of population density, jobs, housing and structural characteristics but also common challenges such as emergency accommodation, social housing and urban policy. It is also affected by problems of urban intensification, transport and the strategic choices necessary to accompany energy transition and respect for the environment.