Spatial planning at the macro and micro levels: Problems of taxonomy and polarization (on the example of the Volga-Ural macroregion)

The issue of spatial planning includes the subject of taxonomy. It seems that it is necessary to switch to the practice of planning, in addition to the meso-level (subject of the Russian Federation), at two taxonomic levels: the macroregion and the economic microdistrict. To do this, the article identifies the main properties of these formations. On the example of the Volga-Ural macroregion the properties of integrity, complementarity and connectivity are analyzed. The idea of using micro-level nodal districts (economic micro-districts) is substantiated as objects of spatial planning. Territorial differences between economic microdistricts of the Saratov region are revealed.