Improving the methodology of comprehensive assessment of the spatial development of the Astana agglomeration
World practice shows the ability of agglomerations to concentrate the country's potential: industrial, financial, managerial, innovative, ensuring the formation of strategic zones of spatial and economic development. The formation of agglomerations, including Astana (in Kazakhstan), is determined by the historical development of the settlement network in a specific geographical situation, as well as socio-economic conditions. In this article, the author considers the need for managerial influence at all levels, both strategic and regional, on the systematic use of economic resources in order to use them effectively in the formation and development of agglomeration. In the course of the study, the author revealed that the Astana agglomeration includes the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, and suburban areas of the 1,5 hour ring. The basis for the successful development of a young agglomeration will be the formation of agglomeration thinking: a view of the territory as a single object, coordination of all interests - administration, business. In these conditions, according to the author, the assessment of the spatial and economic value of the agglomeration, taking into account subsystems and factors, becomes a necessity. The article shows the results of the research obtained by the author in the process of formation and development of the «young agglomeration»; the tools of complex assessment analyzed, suggestions for its improvement are given.