Central Place Theory
Central Place Theory, proposed by Walter Christaller in 1933, is a geographical theory that explains the distribution of human settlements and economic activities in a region. The theory posits that settlements form a hierarchical system based on the principle of central places, where higher-order settlements provide goods and services to lower-order settlements.
In Central Place Theory, each settlement serves as a central place that provides goods and services to the surrounding area. The higher-order central places, such as cities, offer a wider range of goods and services compared to lower-order central places, like towns or villages.
The theory also suggests that central places are evenly spaced to efficiently serve the population without overlap or gaps in coverage. This spatial arrangement results in a hexagonal pattern of settlement distribution, known as the “honeycomb pattern.”
For example, in a region following Central Place Theory, a large city would serve as a higher-order central place, offering specialized services like healthcare, education, and entertainment. Surrounding this city would be smaller towns and villages providing more basic goods and services to the local population.
Overall, Central Place Theory helps urban planners and policymakers understand the spatial organization of human settlements and economic activities, guiding decisions on infrastructure development and resource allocation.
Reference: Wikipedia – Central Place Theory