Definition: The study of how people use space in cities Urban Geography Definition: The study of how people use space in cities
Urban Geography Cities Not just areas with large populations Centers of business and culture
Urban Geography Suburbs Exurbs Political units that may touch the central city or other suburbs of that city Exurbs Small cities or towns with open land between themselves and the central city
Urban Geography Metropolitan area Megalopolis Urbanization The city, its suburbs and exurbs link together economically Megalopolis Formed when several metropolitan areas grow together Urbanization Dramatic rise in the number of cities and the changes in lifestyle that result
Which regions of the earth have few urban areas? PLACE Urban areas are clearly visible in this satellite view of earth at night. The light blue areas are “reflective” areas with either snow pack or sand. Which regions of the earth have few urban areas?
Urban Geography City formation factors Because of their geographic Allow good transportation Access to natural resources Because of their geographic advantages, cities serve as economic bases, attracting businesses and people to work in those businesses
Urban Geography Land Use Patterns Central Business District (CBD) Residential - homes Industrial - manufacturing Commercial – retail (buying and selling), private businesses Central Business District (CBD) The core of a city is almost always based on commercial activity
MAKING GENERALIZATIONS Where is low-income housing found in each of the models? MAKING COMPARISONS What has happened to business and industry activities in the multiple nuclei model as compared to the other two models?
Concentric Zone Model An early model showed the CBD as the “bull’s-eye” of the urban area. It is surrounded by other activities.
Urban Geography Concentric Zone Model http://www.hawaii.edu/hga/urban00/ModelsCities.html
Sector Model Activities are concentrated in wedges or sectors, which may follow transportation lines or natural features such as a river.
Urban Geography Sector Model http://www.hawaii.edu/hga/urban00/ModelsCities.html
Multiple Nuclei model Districts, called nuclei, specialize in one urban activity, and are found throughout the urban area.
Urban Geography Multiple Nuclei Model http://www.hawaii.edu/hga/urban00/ModelsCities.html
The Function of Cities Shopping Entertainment Government Educational activities Cultural activities Libraries Museums Mass transit to ensure all functions operate smoothly