Urban Growth Models

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to models of urban growth and organization discussed in the lecture.

Concentric Zone Model

Also known as the Burgess model, it describes urban land use as a series of concentric rings radiating from the Central Business District (CBD), with different socioeconomic characteristics.

Central Business District (CBD)

The commercial and business center of a city, typically characterized by high land values and density of economic activities.

Zone of Transition

The area surrounding the CBD, often featuring poor-quality housing, light industry, and a mix of lower-income populations.

Sector Model

Developed by Homer Hoyt, it suggests that urban areas develop in sectors or wedges based on transportation routes and types of economic activities.

Multiple Nuclei Model

A model that posits cities have multiple centers of development, such as business districts and industrial parks, rather than a single dominant center.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to increased commute times and reliance on automobiles.

Economic Activity

The variety of operations that occur within a city, impacting land use patterns and residential distribution.

Residential Areas

Zones within a city primarily composed of housing, which can vary by socioeconomic status, typically categorized as low, middle, or upper class.

Transportation Access

The ability for different areas of a city to connect with transportation networks, shaping land use and residential patterns.

Edge Cities

Suburban areas that develop around major intersections or transportation corridors, characterized by a concentration of commercial and retail spaces.