7. Sphere of Urban Influence

Case Study 1: Sphere of Urban Influence in Mumbai, India

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Urban Influence:

• Christaller’s Central Place Theory (Christaller, 1933) – Explains the spatial distribution of settlements.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Highlights spatial inequalities in urban development.
• Bid-Rent Theory (Alonso, 1964) – Explains land value variations based on accessibility.
• Law of Spatial Interaction (Reilly, 1931) – Governs movement and interaction between settlements.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Urban Influence Model – Examines the extent of a city’s impact on surrounding areas.
• Economic Specialization Framework – Evaluates the role of cities in trade and industry.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses urban influence through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Mumbai: Influences surrounding regions like Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
• Economic Impact: Mumbai contributes over 6% of India’s GDP.
• Infrastructure Development: Improved connectivity expanding urban influence.

Spatial Variation:

• Core City: High economic influence due to financial hubs.
• Peripheral Areas: Moderate urban expansion with emerging industries.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Urban influence expanding since colonial era.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in regional integration policies.

Insight:

Mumbai’s urban influence validates Christaller’s Central Place Theory, emphasizing its role as a dominant economic hub.

Case Study 2: Urban Influence in West Bengal – Krishnanagar and Kalyani

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Urban Influence:

• Christaller’s Central Place Theory (Christaller, 1933) – Explains the spatial distribution of settlements.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Highlights spatial inequalities in urban development.
• Bid-Rent Theory (Alonso, 1964) – Explains land value variations based on accessibility.
• Law of Spatial Interaction (Reilly, 1931) – Governs movement and interaction between settlements.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Urban Influence Model – Examines the extent of a city’s impact on surrounding areas.
• Economic Specialization Framework – Evaluates the role of cities in trade and industry.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses urban influence through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Krishnanagar and Kalyani: Ranked as major urban influence zones in Nadia district.
• Economic Impact: Krishnanagar has stronger urban influence than Kalyani.
• Infrastructure Development: Improved transportation networks expanding urban reach.

Spatial Variation:

• Major Towns: High economic influence due to administrative and commercial functions.
• Smaller Towns: Moderate urban expansion with emerging industries.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Urban influence evolving since colonial era.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in regional development policies.

Source:

• Sphere of Urban Influence in West Bengal

Insight:

Krishnanagar’s urban influence validates Core-Periphery Theory, emphasizing its role in regional development.