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?