urban settlements

what are the characteristics of urban land use?

• central commercial area

• industrial zone

• densely packed housing

why is land at the centre of a city the most expensive?

• it is the most accessible land to public transport

• land prices usually decrease away from the central area

what do models include in describing city development?

• the rich generally live close to the city centre while the poor are likely to be found at the edge

• better quality land is occupied by the wealthy

• segregation by wealth and race is evident

• manufacturing is scattered throughout the city

describe the the core frame concept

• suggests the CBD (central business district) can be divided into two

• inner core: where most department stores and specialist shops are found

• outer frame: where train stations, offices, warehoused may be located

what are the factors influencing CBD decline?

• cost of development

• investment in city centres often lack a co ordinated plan

• city centres are perceived as dirty and unsafe

• companies find peripheral locations cheaper

why do residential densities decrease as a region gets farther from the CBD?

• greater availability of land

• improvements in transport and tech allow people to live further away

describe industrial areas

• inner city areas close to railways and/or canals

• areas that require access to water

• areas where theres good availability of land

what is the rural urban fringe?

• the area at the edge of a city where it meets the countryside

• pressures include: more housing, industrial growth and transport

what are positives and negatives in the urban fringe?

positives:

1. agriculture: some areas have well managed farms

2. transport infrastructure: some cycleways improve access and improve new development

3. development: some developments are well landscaped

negatives:

1. agriculture: farms often suffer litter and vandalism

2. transport infrastructure: motorways destroy countryside

3. development: some developments cause serious pollution

what are the problems associated with urban growth?

• congestion in the CBD

• overcrowding

• housing shortages

• racial conflict

• urban decay