Population density

Definition of population density

Total number of people per unit area

4 factors effecting population density

• demographic

• Economics

• Environment

• Social

What is the general trend of population density in the UK

• population is higher in the south

• Highest/lowest population is the most dense in the south-east of England

• Population density is much lower in the far north(Scotland) and the west (wales)- the more rural areas

2 positives of the chloropleth map (colour bloc)

• Can locate data to location

• Good visual impression of change over space

3 negatives of the chloropleth map

• quantity is assumed to be the same throughout the polygon

• False impression of abrupt change at boundaries

• Difficult to distinguish between shades if too many are used

A positive of the dot density map

It is more accurate representation of spatial data

3 negatives of the dot density map

• more complicated to construct

• Difficult counting large number of dots to read data

• Requires more ancillary data (e.g location of dots)

What is a recent population change in the UK

The north to south drift

What is the rural urban continuum

Urban areas are more densely packed than rural however urban areas vary greatly in terms of population density

Describe the CBD

Low permanent population density as residents are out-prices by commercial buildings for space

Describe the inner city

High-density housing (proximity to CBD, even previously industrial areas commonly gentrified into housing/flats (e.g Toronto waterfront)

Describe the Suburbs

Density decreasing reflects change to low-density housing(larger gardens &more spacious homes)

Describe the outer suburbs

An increase in densities of new build or social housing estates is common

Describe the Rural-urban fringe

Decline in densities. A very sharp decline maybe due to the presence of green belts

Describe the rural area in terms of population density

Lowest densities found in the remote rural areas