Central Place Theory

Basic Assumptions of Christaller's Model

1. Isotrophic plain
2. Economic men
3. Perfect competitive market
4. Concept of Range of a good and Market Threshold
5. Central places are distributed in hexagonal pattern.

In case of K=3 Model

1. K=3 is the constant multiple by which the number of settlement in one hierarchy is to be divided by the subsequently higher order one.
2. Distant between central places in the same order is the root of 3 times that of the subsequently lower order.
3. Central places generally supply more than one kind of commodity. They can be divided to higher order center and lower order center which provide different kinds of functions.
4. It is the minimum number of central places to serve the given area. So it is the most effective system in terms of marketing.

Indicator of a city's position in a Hierarchy

Population is not a good indicator for a city's position in a country.

1. The data is not collected availably in some areas.
2. If population size is directly proportional to the consumption level, then it is a useful indicator.
3. Population growth is not equal to the change of city's position in hierarchy.
4. There is different composition in a population composition.
5. Behaviour variation of consumption patterns

Example ---- Tasmania in Australia

1. The 395 settlements fall into six distinct classes.
2. The theory only applies in the lower centers, but it becomes divergent towards the upper level of hierarchy.
3. Western and central part in Tasmania is rugged and inhospitable, dissected by fluvial processes and exposed to cold stormy influences. Except mining and lumbering centers e.g. Queenstown and Rosebery which is specialised and sparsely populated.
4. Urban settlements are more numerous and closely spaced.

(Reference: M.H. Barlow & R.G. Newton, Patterns and processes in Man's Economic Environment, McGraw-Hill International Editions, second edition, P.424-426.)

By Lam Sik Yim