6.4 Rank-Size Rule/Primate City & Central Place Theory

What is the rank size rule?

model that states the second largest city will be one-half the size of the largest, the third largest will be one-third the size of the largest, and so on

Why can the rank size rule be positive?

typically indicates even development

What is a primate city?

model where the largest city in a country far exceeds the next city in population size and importance

Why can a primate city be negative?

can indicate uneven development and disproportionate population distribution in a state

What is the urban hierarchy?

global cities, regional cities, cities, towns, villages, hamlets

← urban vs rural population →

← more vs less services →

many hamlets, less global cities

What is the main idea of the central place theory: central place?

market centers for the exchange of goods and services by people attracted from the surrounding areas

What is the main idea of the central place theory: hinterland?

the area surrounding a service from which customers are attracted

What is the main idea of the central place theory: threshold?

the minimum number of people needed to support a service

more unique function → higher threshold → larger central place

What is the main idea of the central place theory: range?

the maximum distance people are willing to travel to use a service

What is the main idea of the central place theory: spatial competition?

central places compete with each other for customers

What is the main idea of the central place theory: urban hierarchy?

system of cities of various levels

What is the central place theory?

model that explains how central places, range, thresholds, and location of services can lead to an urban hierarchy

What are the assumptions of the central place theory?

applies to a flat, isolated state

uniform population distribution

equal transportation methods

people have similar tastes, demands, and incomes

consumers buy goods/services from the nearest opportunity

What are the strengths of the central place theory?

larger cities are spaced farther apart than smaller towns and villages

urban spatial distribution is connected to population, size, distances between centers, and commerce

What are the weaknesses/limitations of the central place theory?

assumes the retail market is the most important influencer, but many cities serve other functions

doesn’t account for online services