What is land use planning?

Land use planning is fundamentally about managing how land is utilized to ensure that development is sustainable and meets the needs of current and future generations. This involves evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land development. The primary goal is to create balanced land use that protects natural resources, promotes ecological health, and enhances community well-being.

In this context, the correct answer highlights the importance of regulation in land use practices, which helps municipalities and regions to create orderly and sustainable environments. This process can include zoning laws, development regulations, and the incorporation of green spaces, all aimed at fostering a harmonious relationship between urban development and environmental stewardship.

The other options focus on different concepts that do not encapsulate the comprehensive scope of land use planning. Increasing urban populations, maximizing profits from land sales, or just creating more parks are specific actions or goals that may arise in the context of urban planning but do not define the broader, holistic process of land use planning itself.