A Spatial Complex Analysis of Agglomeration and Settlement Patterns

Nijkamp, P. (1978). A Spatial Complex Analysis of Agglomeration and Settlement Patterns. IIASA Research Memorandum. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: RM-78-009

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Abstract

Traditional location theory and modern spatial interaction theory are important but nonetheless unsatisfactory tools to analyze the determinants of spatial agglomeration patterns. Efficiency principles and organizational principles do not provide a sufficiently broad framework for an analysis of human settlement systems, as will be illustrated by means of several examples (comparative-cost analysis, industrial complex analysis, attraction analysis, etc.)

Therefore it is worthwhile to explore new ways of thinking. Spatial complex analysis may be a useful approach to provide an integrated view of the agglomeration phenomena inherent in human settlement patterns. By means of vector profile methods a quantitative frame of reference can be provided for a further study of the determinants and coherence of a certain agglomeration pattern.

The use of a newly developed multivariate statistical technique, viz interdependence analysis, provides a reasonable background for a more profound analysis based on spatial correspondence techniques. Given this technique, the determinants of a certain spatial allocation pattern can be identified.

The analysis will be illustrated by means of several empirical results for the province of North-Holland in the Netherlands.

Finally, attention will be focused on an integration of the foregoing approach with spatial processes, while urban and physical planning aspects will also be discussed.

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