Urban spheres of influence and rural urban fringe

Urban spheres of influence and rural urban fringe

Urban spheres of influence

Urban spheres of influence reflect centre-to-hinterland relationship, compared with the non-central region, the centre assumes more complex economic functions, and provides more economic activities.
Famous theoretical contributions to this research field are the Central Place Theory (Christaller, 1933), the extension to the Central Place Theory (Losch, 1940), the modification to the Central Place Theory (Isard, 1956), and An Economic Theory of Central Places.
After verification and conceptual refinement of these classical literatures, it can be found that any study on delineating sphere of urban influence has been guided by either of two research approaches: the empirical research and model research.
Empirical method determines sphere of urban influence according to data features and regional characteristics. As for example, sphere of urban influence in America is described in terms of the extent of the regional delivery system (Huff, 1973).
Models are developed to capture the interaction between or spaces using theoretical understanding, the intensity and pattern of contact among cities, and thus those models help to determine the sphere of urban influence.
In modeling, the sphere of urban influence, Huff (1973) and Lutz (1995) made a great contribution by using a model namely “Sphere of Urban Influence and Urban System” to delineate the urban sphere of influence of United States of America, Ireland and Ghana.
Now-a-days in Western countries, the study of sphere urban of influence is diminishing in general. By virtue of their high degree of economic and social development, most of the developed countries have accessed post-industrial Society, where node-to-node interactions have become, as compared to the node-to-hinterland relationships.
But, for the developing countries, they are still pursuing industrial development and hence, develop the industries; the node-to-hinterland relationships are distinctly dominant.

Urban Spheres of Influence on Population

The urban sphere of influence can be defined as the geographical region which surrounds a city and maintains inflow-outflow relationship with the city.
Every urban centre, irrespective of the size of population and the nature of function, has a region of influence. Generally speaking, as the size of the population increases, the multiplicity of functions increases. As a result, the influence zone is larger and vice versa.
The term sphere of influence area was first used by Northam and supported by Canter. Other terms to express a similar entity, which have got recognised, include umland and city region. Umland is a German word which means the area around. The term was first used by the Allies in the Second World War.
The term city-region was first used by Dickinson. It is used to describe a similar situation on a much larger scale. Some other terms which have become popular include urban field, tributary area and catchment area. The term sphere of influence is preferred by political geographers.

Delineating the Sphere of Influence Area:

Several methods have been worked out by geographers and sociologists, but no single method seems to be perfect.
The pre-First World War geographers depended primarily on empirical methods (through questionnaires and field surveys) taking into account all those relevant functions which are performed by cities and the surroundings of the city.
The influence zone of each function is first delineated. It brings out the multiplicity of boundaries of spheres of influence area.
Harris has suggested that a common boundary is to be drawn from within those boundaries which are very close to each other.
Harris himself drew a sphere of influence area for the Salt Lake City of Utah State in USA. He used 12 important Services for this purpose which included retail trade, wholesale grocery and drug sale, radio broadcasting, newspaper circulation, telephone services, Banking distribution etc.
Harris scheme shows greater dependence upon the services of the cities. He practically ignored the services rendered by rural areas.
Geographers like Carter, Dickinson and Green studied the sphere of influence area and their empirical methods gave due weightage to the rural services.
The post-Second World War geographers began to use statistical methods. This made the inferences more precise, logical and scientific.
This method, however, has the disadvantage of being rigid. Still, it is a popular method throughout the world.
The conclusion of the method brings the delineated influence area closer to Christaller’s observations, who suggested that every urbane settlement (service centre) is supposed to have a hexagonal influence region.
It solves the problem of existence of shadow zone which normally appears in the case of spherical delineation of the influence region.
The statistical method is based on the principle of Gravitation.
Reilly propounded the Law of Retail Gravitation to delineate the market zone of urban centres. Since Marketing is a principal function, this method is used by geographers to delineate the zone of influence area.

This method states that:

P= MA x MB / d2
where MA = Mass of centre A measured by population size, such that MA > MB
MB = Mass of centre B
d = distance between two cities.
The result will mark the distance of the sphere of influence area from Mass (city) A; the remaining distance will mark the influence area of Mass (city) B.
Modern urban geographers give importance to this method as they consider this cut-off as an important factor for development of respective influence areas.
Some development authorities have begun to use the sphere of influence area as the basis of regional planning.
They use detailed questionnaires to understand the nature of influence. They consider factors such as daily commuting, functional structure of village, household types of villages, milk supply, vegetable supply, newspaper circulation etc. This approach seems to have some practical utility.
It gives due weightage to natural hindrances.
Factors like rivers, Mountains, forests, marshy lands etc. are bound to modify the influence area and in that case, the statistical method is not of much relevance. Information collected through questionnaires is, however, properly processed through different statistical methods and a composite index, indicating a common boundary, is worked out. This common boundary gives the limit of the sphere of influence area.
Thus, it becomes clear that the sphere of influence area is highly relevant in socio-economic patterns of a city and its surroundings.
In India, the regional planners have given due recognition to the role of city regions or spheres of influence areas in the ‘Growth Pole’ strategy adopted by the Planning Commission of India in the Sixth Five- Year-Plan.

Rural urban fringe

What is the rural-urban fringe?

The rural-urban fringe is the boundary zone outside the urban area proper where rural and urban land uses intermix.
It is an area of transition from agricultural and other rural land uses to urban use.
Located well within the urban sphere of influence the fringe is characterised by a wide variety of land use including dormitory settlements housing middle-income commuters who work in the main urban area.
Over time the characteristics of the fringe change from largely rural to largely urban. Suburbanisation takes place at the urban boundary of rural-urban fringe.
The nature of the rural-urban fringe is influenced by four main factors: agricultural policy, regional planning, the urban economy and the agricultural economy.
Baker et al have identified four types of fringe resulting from these influences:
1. Disturbed landscapes
2. Neglected landscapes
3. Simplified landscapes
4. Valued landscapes

Increasing demand for land in the rural urban fringe area because:

Land is cheaper – as the accessibility of the RUF is lower than that of the inner city areas and most of the people have to travel to the inner city for work, fewer people are willing to live in the RUF. Thus the land prices are lower.
There is less traffic congestion and pollution – as the area is a new development in the outskirts, and the population living in the area is lesser than the inner city, the traffic congestion and pollution levels are lesser.
There is easier access and a better road Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE – as it is a newer development with a lot of space available.
There is a more pleasant Environment with more open space – the amount of open space decreases with time as the extent of development increases, and so does the pleasant environment.

In INDIA study by Sudesh Nangia in Delhi Metropolitan region for R-U Fringe

In India, Sudesh Nangia studied Delhi Metropolitan region (1976), and highlighted some of the chief characteristics of the R-U fringe around the metropolis.
She pointed out that the fringe area extended over 212 sq km and encompassed 177 villages within its fold. The zone is not concentric but polygonal in shape (Figure 17.2).
Its structural units include slums and squatter-settlements, built-up dwellings without any proper plan, mixed land uses, areas of agricultural production usurped by lot of industrial units, dispersed location of settlements suffering from urban facilities, and also it commands sewerage treatment plant and recreation centres as well.

L. Singh studied R-U fringe of Varanasi and called it an extension of the city itself, actual and potential.
According to him, “the R-U fringe is an area where most of the rural land is forced into urban uses prematurely”.
Singh studied urban fringe of ‘KAVAL’ towns and concluded that their fringe areas coalesced together inheriting all the evils of large conurbations such as horrible slums, appalling house and traffic congestion and long daily trip to work

Beneficial development in rural urban fringe area:

The rural urban fringe is characterised by a mixture of land uses, most of which require large areas of land

Housing developments as urban sprawl continues
Science and business parks
Hyper-markets and superstores
Retail parks and out of town shopping centres
Office developments
Hotels and conference centres
Airport expansion

Issues in Urban rural fringe

Uses	Positive Aspects	Negative Aspects
agriculture	Many well managed farms and small holdings	Farms often suffer litter, trespass and vandalism; some land is derelict in the hope of planning permission
Development	Some well-ited, carefully landscaped developments such as business and science parks	Some developments, such as out of town shopping areas cause heavy traffic flow and pollution. Unregulated businesses such as scrap Metal and caravan storage. Airport expansion
Urban Services	Some, such as reservoirs or cemeteries, may be attractive.	Mineral workings, sewage works, landfill sites etc can be unattractive and polluting
Transport	New cycleways and footpaths can improve assess to countryside	Motorways destroy countryside and promote new development, particularly near junctions.
Recreation and sport	Country parks, Sports fields and golf courses can lead to conservation.	Some activities such as stock car racing and scrambling erode Ecosystems and create localised litter and pollution
Landscape and nature conservation	Many SSSI (sites of special scientific interest) and AONB (Areas of natural beauty)	Much degraded land eg. land ruined by fly-tipping; many SSSIs under threat

Urban spheres of influence are areas around cities that are affected by the city’s economic, social, and cultural activities. The central business district (CBD) is the heart of the city, where most of the commercial and financial activity takes place. The suburbs are the residential areas that surround the CBD, and they are typically characterized by low-density housing and single-family homes. The exurbs are the outermost areas of the city, and they are often characterized by rural or suburban development. Urban sprawl is the expansion of urban areas into previously rural or agricultural areas. Conurbations are large urban areas that are formed when two or more cities merge together. Megalopolises are even larger urban areas that are formed when several conurbations merge together.

The rural-urban fringe is the area that lies between urban and rural areas. It is a transitional zone where both urban and rural characteristics are present. The urban-rural fringe is often characterized by mixed land use, with both residential and commercial development. It is also home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

The peri-urban area is a term used to describe the area that surrounds a city and is influenced by its economic, social, and environmental activities. The peri-urban area is often characterized by rapid Population Growth, as people move from rural areas to the city in search of jobs and opportunities. This growth can put a strain on the environment, as the peri-urban area is often home to important natural Resources.

Edge cities are urban areas that are located on the outskirts of major cities. They are often characterized by high-density development, office parks, and shopping malls. Edge cities have become increasingly common in recent years, as people have moved away from the central city in search of more affordable housing and a better Quality Of Life.

Suburbia is a term used to describe the residential areas that surround a city. Suburbs are typically characterized by low-density housing, single-family homes, and large lawns. Suburbs became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, as people began to move out of the city in search of a better quality of life.

Exurbia is a term used to describe the outermost areas of a city, beyond the suburbs. Exurbs are often characterized by rural or suburban development, and they are typically home to people who work in the city but prefer to live in a more rural setting.

Urban sprawl is the expansion of urban areas into previously rural or agricultural areas. Urban sprawl is often characterized by low-density development, single-family homes, and large lawns. It can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including Air Pollution, Water Pollution, and habitat loss.

Counterurbanization is the movement of people from urban areas to rural areas. Counterurbanization has been occurring in the United States for several decades, and it is likely to continue in the future. There are a number of reasons why people choose to move to rural areas, including a desire for a better quality of life, a lower cost of living, and a slower pace of life.

Rural flight is the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas. Rural flight has been occurring in the United States for several decades, and it is likely to continue in the future. There are a number of reasons why people choose to move from rural areas, including a lack of jobs, a lack of amenities, and a lack of opportunities.

Depopulation is the decline in the population of an area. Depopulation can occur for a number of reasons, including natural disasters, war, and economic decline. Depopulation can have a number of negative impacts on an area, including a decline in the tax base, a decline in the economy, and a decline in the quality of life.

What is an urban sphere of influence?

An urban sphere of influence is the area around an urban center that is economically and socially tied to that center. The size and shape of an urban sphere of influence can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and economic strength of the urban center, the transportation infrastructure in the area, and the natural features of the landscape.

What is the rural-urban fringe?

The rural-urban fringe is the area that lies between urban and rural areas. It is a transitional zone where the characteristics of both urban and rural areas are evident. The rural-urban fringe is often characterized by a mix of agricultural land, suburban development, and open space.

What are the benefits of living in an urban sphere of influence?

There are a number of benefits to living in an urban sphere of influence. These include:

Access to jobs and economic opportunities
A variety of housing Options
Cultural and recreational amenities
Public transportation
A strong sense of community

What are the challenges of living in an urban sphere of influence?

There are also a number of challenges to living in an urban sphere of influence. These include:

Traffic congestion
Air pollution
High cost of living
Crime
Lack of open space

What are the benefits of living in the rural-urban fringe?

There are a number of benefits to living in the rural-urban fringe. These include:

Access to both urban and rural amenities
A lower cost of living
More open space
A slower pace of life
A sense of community

What are the challenges of living in the rural-urban fringe?

There are also a number of challenges to living in the rural-urban fringe. These include:

Limited job opportunities
Fewer cultural and recreational amenities
Longer commute times
Lack of public transportation
A sense of isolation

What are the future trends for urban spheres of influence and the rural-urban fringe?

The future trends for urban spheres of influence and the rural-urban fringe are likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including:

The continued growth of urban areas
The development of new transportation technologies
The changing nature of work
The increasing importance of environmental sustainability

It is likely that urban spheres of influence will continue to grow in the future. This growth will be driven by the continued growth of urban areas, as well as the development of new transportation technologies that make it easier for people to commute from longer distances. The changing nature of work, with more people working from home, is also likely to contribute to the growth of urban spheres of influence.

The rural-urban fringe is also likely to experience change in the future. The development of new transportation technologies is likely to make it easier for people to live in the rural-urban fringe and commute to jobs in urban areas. The increasing importance of environmental sustainability is also likely to lead to more people choosing to live in the rural-urban fringe, where there is more open space.

The urban sphere of influence is the area around a city that is affected by its economic, social, and cultural activities. True or False?
The rural-urban fringe is the area between a city and the surrounding countryside. True or False?
The urban sphere of influence is larger than the rural-urban fringe. True or False?
The urban sphere of influence is smaller than the rural-urban fringe. True or False?
The urban sphere of influence and the rural-urban fringe are the same thing. True or False?

Answers:
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. False

The urban sphere of influence is the area around a city that is affected by its economic, social, and cultural activities. This includes the city itself, as well as the suburbs and rural areas that are within commuting distance of the city. The rural-urban fringe is the area between a city and the surrounding countryside. It is characterized by a mix of urban and rural land uses, and it is often home to commuters, retirees, and people who work in agriculture.

The urban sphere of influence is larger than the rural-urban fringe. This is because the urban sphere of influence includes the city itself, as well as the suburbs and rural areas that are within commuting distance of the city. The rural-urban fringe, on the other hand, is only the area between a city and the surrounding countryside.

The urban sphere of influence and the rural-urban fringe are not the same thing. The urban sphere of influence is the area around a city that is affected by its economic, social, and cultural activities. The rural-urban fringe is the area between a city and the surrounding countryside.