Urban Geography
World Geography and Cultures
Chapter 4
Why understand urban geo?
Nearly ½ the world’s population lives in urban areas
Cities fulfill economic, residential, and cultural functions in
different ways
1
Growth of urban areas
Urban areas develop and
grow much like a plant
Village, hamlet
Town
City
Metropolitan area
Functional area
Metropolis
City with at least 1 million
Megalopolis
City with at least 10 million
2
Where are cities found?
All over the world – but
there are some
common patterns
Most are found in
places with
Chicago, IL
Good transportation
Easy access to natural
resources
Natural trade hubs
Specialization
Economic activities
Trade
Land Use in a City
Three basic types of land use
Residential
Industrial
Commercial
CBD
Central Business District
Where business offices and
stores are found
Little residential – expensive if
present
High cost of land
Skyscrapers and tall buildings
common
Helps to regulate type of
activity in central areas
3
Urban Area Models
Concentric Zone Model
Traditional
Like a bull’s eye
Sector Model
Still radiating but with wedges
Found more often after the highway systems were
developed
Multiple Nuclei Model
Newest urban layouts
Several areas with CBD characteristics
Many suburban cities
4
5
0
