GEOG 1.3 : RELATIONSHIP BTW LOCATIONS IN A NEIGHBOURHOOD

Define influence ?

Effect on people or objects, causing significant changes.

Define non-random .

Not random ; elements do not have an equal probability of occurence.

Define cluster.

A number of similar objects that are located close to one another.

Define geometry.

Shape,spatial configuration or arrangement of objects.

Define tendency.

An inclination towards a particular outcome.

What are regions ?

Areas with similar physical / human chracteristics or are known for something. They vary in size and may be classified according to

environmental characteristics : nature or built -up areas.

human characteristics : commerical or residential areas

geographical location : east or west

They can also be the sphere of influence of services , events,and objects on other locations in the area. A region’s boundaries are where the effect of the services , events or objects are largely absent. EG : Regions in our neighbourhoods can be classified as the areas that our Town Councils service. Town Councils are responsible for the common areas in public housing and commerical property within the town and carry out a variety of works for the benefit of residents.

Give an example of regions classified according to environmental characteristics .

Little Guilin , a nature park in Bukit Batok , is a nature region.

Give an example classified according to human characteristics.

Jurong town can be broken down into 2 regions ; The commerical region where industrial buildings are found ( in western and southern parts of Jurong ). The residential regions where most homes are located ( in eastern and northern parts of Jurong ).

Give an example of regions classified according to geographical location.

The residential area in Bukit Batok can be further broken down into 2 regions ; Western Bukit Batok : larger number of public housing apartment blocks. Eastern Bukit Batok ; larger number of private landed housing and condominiums.

What are spatial patterns ?

Spatial patterns reflect non-random arrangements that are recognisable as shapes, clusters,geometry or repeated occurrences at regular intervals.

Services, events and objects in our neighbourhood are often non-randomly arranged.

There is often a reason why particular services, events and objects are located in particular spaces.

Recognising spatial patterns is useful as it helps us understand the world around us. Spatial patterns can be easily identified on maps where services , events and objects are represented by points , lines or polygons.

Spatial patterns may appear as :

Recognisable shapes and geometry such as circles and lines on a map

EG : Train stations on Singapore’s Circle line resembles an oval.

Clusters or concentrations on a map.

EG : Companies in the heavy industry are clustered in the west of Singapore, located in places such as Tuas and Pioneer.

Repeated occurences at regular intervals on a map.

EG : Public bus stops are located at regular intervals of about 400m, increasing accessibility and convenience, enabling most people to use the public bus services.

What are spatial associations ?

Spatial associations refer to the tendency of a pair of services , events and objects to be located near each other. EG : Lifts and stairwats are often located next to each other.

They suggest connections between services , events or objects.

EG ; Fitness centres are found near studio HDB blocks , allowing the elderly to easily access them without having to travel to another estate or block.

Understanding spatial associations in our neighbourhood enhances our everyday living.

EG : Train stations and bus interchanges are often located near each other to increase the convenience of switching from one mode of transport to another. Understanding this can help residents plan their trips to decrease their travelling time.