Sprawl is a pattern of land use that is characterized by dispersed, automobile-dependent development outside of compact urban and village centers, along highways, and in the rural countryside. Sprawl is typically characterized by….1  Excessive land consumption. 2  Low densities in comparison with older centers.3  Lack of transportation options.prawl is a pattern of land use that is characterized by dispersed, automobile-dependent development outside of compact urban and village centers, along highways, and in the rural countryside. Sprawl is typically characterized by…. 1  Excessive land consumption. 2  Low densities in comparison with older centers. 3  Lack of transportation options.