This report presents the results of a semester-long analysis of the diverse neighborhoods and functional zones within National City; the report results can be used to support other projects undertaken as part of the Sage Project as well as other project undertaken by city officials and community organizations. This research was completed by two sections of Geography 354: The Geography of Cities at San Diego State University under the direction of Drs. Thomas Herman and Zia Salim, respectively. The desired objectives of this project were to combine data from the Census Bureau, qualitative studies and observations, and surveys and mapping to identify functional zones/neighborhoods and their characteristics, and investigate the legibility of National City’s urban landscape as perceived by its residents and visitors. According to Kevin Lynch, an author and planner of urban settings, five elements contribute to the legibility of cities – edges, paths, districts, nodes, and landmarks. These elements help people easily identify their surroundings. The three research questions were: 1. Are the neighborhoods, functional zones, and their characteristics identifiable? 2. Is National City legible, or easy to navigate through? 3. What are the perceptions of National City according to those that visit, work, and live there?
