Attributes that characterize a megalopolis

Abstract This work aims to define the specific attributes of a megalopolis. The study is qualitative and used discussion groups with 19 specialists who worked according to the interdisciplinary methodological perspective proposed by Delich. Data were collected, tabulated and analyzed according to the Method for Assigning Characteristics to Object (MACO), inspired by the method of Kano. This technique allows defining whether a certain characteristic belongs to a specific object or not. In the study, the object is the megalopolis. The results show that, considering the specific and important attributes, there are basically 20 attributes that must be taken into account. However, there are five specific attributes (the most important) that need recognition in megalopolis: strong adherence, integrated concentration of people, activities and wealth. This result allows the effectively recognition of whether an urban agglomeration is or is not a megalopolis.