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.