Glossary
Central Place Theory (CPT)
A geographical theory that explains the size and spacing of settlements based on the range and threshold of goods and services they offer.
Example:
According to Central Place Theory, a small village might only have a convenience store, while a large city offers a wide array of specialized shops and services.
Early Urban Hearths
Regions where cities first developed independently, often characterized by fertile land, water access, and agricultural surpluses.
Example:
Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China are considered early urban hearths due to their foundational role in city development.
Hexagons (in CPT)
The geometric shape used in Central Place Theory to represent market areas because they are the most efficient for minimizing overlap and gaps in service provision.
Example:
In Christaller's model, the ideal market areas for central places are depicted as interlocking hexagons.
Hierarchy (of settlements)
The arrangement of settlements in a graded series, from small, numerous villages to large, fewer cities, based on their size and the services they provide.
Example:
The urban hierarchy in a region might include hamlets, villages, towns, and then major metropolitan areas.
Louis Wirth's Definition (of Urban)
A sociological perspective defining urban areas by the density of human-created structures, contrasting with rural areas' fewer structures and more open space.
Example:
Louis Wirth's definition emphasizes that the physical built environment, not just population numbers, distinguishes urban from rural places.
Range
The maximum distance people are willing to travel to acquire a good or service.
Example:
The range for a specialized heart surgeon is much greater than the range for a gallon of milk.
Rural Settlements
Settlements characterized by small population size, low density, agricultural economies, and social homogeneity.
Example:
A small farming community with widely spaced homes and a strong sense of shared identity is a typical rural settlement.
Site
The physical characteristics of a place, including its topography, climate, water sources, and natural resources.
Example:
The site of ancient Rome was advantageous due to its seven hills providing defense and the Tiber River offering water and transportation.
Situation
The relative location of a place in relation to other important places, features, or transportation routes.
Example:
Chicago's situation at the nexus of major rail lines and the Great Lakes made it a crucial transportation hub.
Threshold
The minimum number of people or customers needed to support a business or service and make it profitable.
Example:
A niche bookstore specializing in rare first editions would have a much lower threshold than a large department store.
Urban Settlements
Settlements characterized by large population size, high density, diverse economies, and social heterogeneity.
Example:
New York City, with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and diverse population, is a quintessential urban settlement.
Walter Christaller
The German geographer who developed Central Place Theory in the 1930s.
Example:
Walter Christaller's work laid the foundation for understanding urban hierarchies and market areas.