Urban Geography Review

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts in urban geography.

What is urbanisation?

The increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities.

What is suburbanisation?

The movement of people from the city centre to the suburbs.

What is counter-urbanisation?

The movement of people from urban areas to rural areas.

What are trends in urbanisation in HICs?

Slower growth due to suburbanisation and counter-urbanisation.

What are trends in urbanisation in LICs/NEEs?

Rapid urban growth due to migration and natural increase.

What are two causes of urbanisation?

Rural-urban migration and natural increase.

What is a megacity?

A city with a population over 10 million.

Name three problems caused by rapid urbanisation.

Congestion, unemployment, environmental degradation.

What influences urban land use patterns?

Locational needs, accessibility, and land values.

Why is CBD land more expensive?

It is more accessible and in higher demand.

Name three urban challenges in a developed city.

Transport congestion, waste disposal, segregation.

Name three urban challenges in a developing/emerging city.

Squatter settlements, informal economy, pollution.

What is a squatter settlement?

An area where housing is built illegally without basic services.

What is the informal economy?

Jobs not taxed or regulated by the government.

What is segregation?

The separation of people based on income, ethnicity, or other factors.

Why is resource consumption high in cities?

They have high demand for food, water, and energy.

What is the rural-urban fringe?

The zone where urban and rural areas meet.

Name three developments found in the rural-urban fringe.

Housing estates, business parks, retail parks.

What is a brownfield site?

Previously developed land that can be reused.

What is one advantage of using brownfield sites?

Reduces the need to build on the countryside.

Name three strategies to improve sustainability in cities.

Recycling schemes, public transport investment, energy efficiency.

What is sustainability?

Meeting present needs without compromising the future.

Who are four groups involved in urban management?

Planners, politicians, developers, business leaders.