Central Place Theory

IB SL

3 Patterns

• Christaller's central place theory basically tells us that if there is an even distribution of population, all with equal money and transport opportunities, and the land is flat and featureless, then settlements will follow a distribution pattern according to size.

• The distribution will follow one of three patterns:

1 Market Optimising

• The shoppers in smaller settlements divide into three equal groups when shopping in the three nearest larger settlements.

2 Transport Optimising

• Shoppers in smaller settlements divide into two equal groups when shopping in the two nearest larger settlements.

3 Administration Optimising

• All shoppers in the smaller settlements shop in the nearest large settlement.

Analysis

• The largest settlement, which is in the centre of the hexagon, will be surrounded by a number of smaller settlements.

• People from the small settlements will visit the large settlement for a particular good or service that their village does not provide.

• People cannot cross the boundary hexagons because Cristaller says they must shop in their nearest central place.

• Threshold is the minimum number of people needed to support a service.

• Range is the maximum distance people are prepared to travel to purchase a good or service.

Activity

Using Essential AS Geography P150-153 answer the following...

1.What are the 3 main principles of Christaller’s theory and how are they defined?

2.How realistic is Christaller’s Central Place Theory to the real world?

3.What are the strengths and weaknesses of Christaller’s Central Place Theory?