Abstract
Introduction. A thorough evaluation of the calculations used to determine the boundaries of urban planning projects enables a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and labor connections between cities and settlements. The significance of developing agglomerations in resource-limited environments lies in their potential to achieve a synergistic effect, where the whole exceeds the sum of its parts. Objectives. The research aims to identify the functional boundaries of the Shymkent agglomeration. Materials and Methods. The boundaries of the Shymkent agglomeration were determined using a methodological approach that integrates the agglomeration development coefficient, Reilly's gravitational theory, and GIS technologies. Results and Discussion. Potential countermagnet cities were identified by employing GIS technologies to calculate the force of demographic gravity from proximate settlements to the city of Shymkent. These cities serve as centers of attraction that intercept migration flows towards Shymkent, thus assisting in mitigating excess population growth in the city. Conclusions. The strategic development of suburban settlements and key nodes within the Shymkent agglomeration can effectively manage urban growth challenges, promoting a balanced and sustainable development pattern. it is necessary to prevent the spontaneous growth of settlements caused by population growth, which leads to the formation of imbalances in comprehensive service systems and provides workplaces that can provoke social tensions.