6.1 The Origin and Influences of Urbanization

What To Know for 6.1:

Central Place Theory, Site vs. Situation, 2 Urban Settlement Theories, Rural vs. Urban Settlements

Development of Cities

Central Place Theory

Central place theory is a geographical theory that aims to explain the distribution, size, and number of settlements in a given area. The theory was developed by the German economist Walter Christaller in the 1930s.

According to central place theory, settlements are located in a hierarchical pattern, with larger settlements serving as central places that provide goods and services to smaller settlements in the surrounding area. The size and number of settlements in an area are determined by the range and variety of goods and services that are available, as well as the transportation costs associated with accessing those goods and services.

Central place theory has been used to study the spatial organization of cities and towns, and it has been influential in shaping urban planning and development. However, the theory has been criticized for its oversimplification of the factors that influence the location and size of settlements, and for its inability to account for the dynamic and complex nature of urban systems.

Hexagonal shapes

A series of hexagons, representing the vertices of equilateral triangles, evenly distribute the connection of consumers. The shape represents the assumption that consumers will visit the most nearby place offering a good. Thus, it is a good compromise between circles and squares.

The Theory Assumes that there are NO:

Topographic Barriers 

Topographic barriers are physical features of the landscape that can obstruct or block the movement of people or goods. These barriers can include mountains, rivers, valleys, and other types of terrain that make it difficult or impossible to pass through an area.

Topographic barriers can have a number of impacts on human activity and settlement patterns. They can create barriers to communication and trade, as people may have difficulty traveling over or around the barriers. They can also limit the types of activities that can be carried out in an area, as certain types of terrain may be more suitable for certain activities than others.

In some cases, topographic barriers can be overcome through the construction of roads, bridges, or tunnels, which can facilitate the movement of people and goods. In other cases, topographic barriers may be insurmountable, and they may shape the settlement patterns and economic activities of an area in significant ways.

Differences in Farm Productivity

There are many factors that can contribute to differences in farm productivity, including:

Climate: Farms in areas with favorable growing conditions, such as adequate sunlight, rainfall, and temperature, may be more productive than farms in areas with less favorable conditions.

Soil quality: Farms with fertile, well-draining soil may be more productive than those with poor quality soil.

Technology and infrastructure: Farms with access to modern technology and infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, greenhouses, and machinery, may be more productive than those without these resources.

Agricultural practices: Farms that use sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage and integrated pest management, may be more productive than those that do not.

Market access: Farms with good access to markets, such as those located near urban centers or transportation routes, may be more productive than those that are isolated or have limited market access.

Government policies: Government policies, such as subsidies and regulations, can also affect farm productivity.

Different Dispersion of Rural Population

The dispersion of rural populations, or the way in which people are distributed across a rural area, can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including:

Physical geography: The physical characteristics of an area, such as climate, topography, and natural resources, can influence the settlement patterns of rural populations. For example, areas with fertile soil and a favorable climate may attract more people and support higher population densities than areas with less favorable conditions.

Infrastructure: The availability of infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and telecommunications, can also influence the dispersion of rural populations. Areas with good infrastructure may be more accessible and attractive to people, leading to more concentrated settlement patterns.

Economic opportunities: The availability of economic opportunities, such as jobs and market access, can also influence the dispersion of rural populations. Areas with a strong economy may attract more people and support higher population densities than areas with a weaker economy.

Cultural and social factors: Cultural and social factors, such as traditions, customs, and social networks, can also influence the dispersion of rural populations. For example, people may be more likely to settle in areas where they have family or community connections.

Source: Penn State Geography Department

Urban Settlement Theories

The earliest known urban settlements originated in Mesopotamia, which was located in the Fertile Crescent region of Southwest Asia. The Fertile Crescent was an area that stretched from the eastern Mediterranean coast to the Persian Gulf, and it was characterized by a mild climate, fertile soils, and an abundant water supply, which made it ideal for agriculture and the development of early civilizations.

The first cities in Mesopotamia arose around 4000 BC, and they were characterized by a number of innovations, including the development of writing, the use of bronze and iron tools, and the construction of complex systems of irrigation and water management.

From Mesopotamia, the idea of urbanization diffused westward to Egypt and other parts of the Mediterranean region, eastward to China and other parts of Asia, and southward to the Indus Valley in present-day Pakistan and India. These early urban settlements played a central role in the development of early civilizations, and they continue to be important centers of culture, trade, and commerce today.

Urbanization and the development of complex settlements originated independently in several different parts of the world, including Southwest Asia (Mesopotamia), Egypt, China, and South India (the Indus Valley). These areas are often referred to as "hearths" of civilization because they were among the earliest centers of urbanization and the development of complex societies.

In each of these regions, the emergence of urban settlements was closely tied to the development of agriculture and the growth of complex systems of trade and commerce. The first cities in these regions arose around 4000 BC and were characterized by a number of innovations, including the development of writing, the use of bronze and iron tools, and the construction of complex systems of irrigation and water management.

Over time, these early urban settlements grew and expanded, and they played a central role in the development of early civilizations and the spread of culture and ideas throughout the world. Today, many of the cities that originated in these hearths of civilization continue to be important centers of culture, trade, and commerce.

Rural vs. Urban Settlements 

Rural settlements are communities that are located in rural areas, away from the influence of urban centers. They are typically smaller in size and population than urban settlements and are often characterized by a more agricultural or natural resource-based economy.

Urban settlements, on the other hand, are communities that are located in urban areas and are typically larger in size and population than rural settlements. Urban settlements are often characterized by a more diverse and industrialized economy, and they may have a higher level of social and cultural complexity.

There are many differences between rural and urban settlements, including population density, economic structure, and cultural characteristics. Rural settlements tend to have lower population densities and may be more spread out geographically, while urban settlements are typically more densely populated and may have a more concentrated population.

In terms of economic structure, rural settlements are often more reliant on agriculture and natural resource-based industries, while urban settlements may have a more diverse economy with a greater emphasis on manufacturing, service industries, and commerce. Urban settlements also tend to have a more diverse and cosmopolitan culture, with a wider range of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Louis Wirth stated that the difference between rural and urban settlements depends on the density of human-created structures.

• Rural Settlements:

  • Small Size

  • Low Density

  • Socially Homogeneous Populations Urban Settlements:

  • Large Size

  • High Density

  • Socially Heterogeneous Populations

Describing Location

Site vs Situation

In geography, the terms "site" and "situation" refer to the physical characteristics and location of a place, respectively.

Site refers to the physical characteristics of a place, such as its topography, climate, soil, and natural resources. These characteristics can influence the types of activities that can be carried out in a place and the way in which people live and work.

Situation refers to the location of a place in relation to other places and features. It includes both the absolute location, such as the longitude and latitude of a place, and the relative location, such as its proximity to other settlements, transportation routes, and natural resources. The situation of a place can influence its access to markets, resources, and other opportunities, and it can also shape the way in which people interact with the surrounding region.

Both site and situation are important considerations in the study of geography and can have significant impacts on the development and character of a place.

Absolute Location

Absolute location refers to the exact location of a place on Earth, typically expressed in terms of latitude and longitude coordinates. Latitude is a measure of distance north or south of the equator, while longitude is a measure of distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. Together, these coordinates uniquely identify the location of any place on the surface of the Earth.

One example of an absolute location is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower is located at 48.8584° N, 2.2945° E, which is the latitude and longitude coordinates for the tower. This means that the Eiffel Tower is located about 48.8584 degrees north of the equator, and about 2.2945 degrees east of the Prime Meridian. Other well-known landmarks with absolute locations include the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, which are located at 29.9792° N, 31.1342° E, and the Great Wall of China, which stretches from about 39.3355° N, 73.0877° E in the east to about 42.3520° N, 134.7277° E in the west.

Relative Location

Relative location refers to the location of a place in relation to other places, rather than in terms of absolute coordinates. For example, one might describe the relative location of a city by saying that it is located to the north of another city, or that it is located on the coast of a particular body of water. Relative location can be described using a variety of spatial relationships, such as direction (north, south, east, west), distance, and proximity.

For example, the relative location of New York City in the United States might be described as being located on the east coast of the country, north of Washington D.C. and south of Boston. The relative location of a mountain range might be described as being located to the west of a particular valley, or as being located to the north of a particular lake. Understanding the relative location of different places can help us to understand how they are connected and how they relate to one another.