ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MARKET-AREA STRUCTURE IN THE URBAN SYSTEM

It is argued that the market-area structure within the typical model o f an urban system does not conform satisfactorily to the pattern custo marily observed, The market-area structure of the standard model of a central place system is modified, by applying, in turn, two additional frameworks: the economic law of market areas and the law of retail gr avitation, It is demonstrated that each application results in a more realistic pattern of market areas, while preserving the hierarchical s tructure of the central place system, The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are examined, and further aspects of both approaches are then considered.