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Land use within areas exposed to flooding in selected towns of the Łódź provinceThe main objective of this paper is the evaluation of land use in the areas exposed to flooding in respect of the potential loss of property in three towns – Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Kutno and Łowicz. Spatial development was investigated by the analysis of land use, using Topographic Data Base and field research areas within i.e. the 100-year flood zones. Land use was presented using GIS methods. In the Łowicz area the valley bottom of the Bzura river is very wide, especially in its western and eastern parts, which are built-up ( the central section of the river within the town administrative boundaries was embanked ). Tomaszów Mazowiecki is a town where smaller tributaries flow into the Pilica river, which is why the valley bottom reaches a considerable size, thus fostering residential development. Tributaries, especially the Czarna, Piasecznica ( in Tomaszów Mazowiecki ) and Ochnia rivers ( in Kutno ), create a sense of security among the users of these areas. This leads to intensification of land development in these areas and an increase in potential adverse consequences in the event of flooding. The analysis of flood risk levels is of a great importance and it enables authorities to conduct a suitable anti-flood protection policy.