Which term describes the technique of managing how land is developed and used?

Land use planning is a comprehensive technique that focuses specifically on how land is developed and used, making it the most relevant term for the question. This practice encompasses the evaluation and formulation of policies that govern what types of activities can occur on particular parcels of land, taking into account factors such as environmental impact, economic viability, and community needs.

Land use planning involves assessing current land use patterns and predicting future needs, which helps create zoning laws, development guidelines, and growth management strategies that promote sustainable development. It also involves stakeholder engagement to ensure that the needs and desires of the community are included in the planning process.

While urban planning may overlap with land use planning, as it often includes considerations of infrastructure and public services within urban areas, it is broader in scope and is not solely focused on land use. Infrastructure planning concentrates specifically on the physical systems that support land use, such as transportation and utilities. Regulatory planning refers to the frameworks and regulations that manage land use but does not encapsulate the broader strategies involved in land utilization and development planning like land use planning does.