Abstract
Based on satellite data and official statistics, the analysis of the level of urbanization of the cities of Petropavlovsk, Tayynsha, Sergeevka, Bulayevo and Mamlyutka was carried out. The study results demonstrate that 4 out of 5 cities in the region do not form urban centers; they are difficult to attribute to a functional urban area. The study demonstrates significant distortions of the state planning system because of an incorrect assessment of the current level of urbanization. Also, the establishment of unattainable targets for regions' development is proved. Using technological advances and global open data, the necessity of changing the status of cities of the North Kazakhstan region and adjustments to the legislation on the administrative-territorial structure and state programs for territorial development is justified. The scientific novelty is proved by the application of a new method of assessing the level of urbanization. From a practical point of view, the need for urgent changes on existing governmental programs on territorial development is vindicated.