Factors Influencing the Size of Spheres
Aim
In class and through my own research I have found out that there are
several things that control the sphere of influence of a settlement.
In my project I intend to see if these theories can been seen to
affect sphere of influence of real settlements in Essex and the Lake
District. The theories I am going to test are on range, accessibility,
size of settlement, and tourism function.
Background information
Sphere of influence
David Waugh text book tells us that sphere of influence is “the area
around each settlement which comes under its economic, social and
political influence.” This is also known as urban field or hinterland.
This means that each settlement from villages to cities control
(influence) the people that live around them. They control their
movements. For example people travel towards settlements to spend
money, work, to hang out with friends or to vote. How far people are
willing to travel to a settlement to do these things is said to be its
sphere of influence.
What affects the size of sphere of influence?
* Range of goods on offer.
People travel further to visit shops that sell higher order goods.
These are expensive goods that people compare prices and are will to
travel further to net a bargain! People don’t travel far to
settlements that sell only low order goods like milk or bread as these
can be found everywhere and people don’t compare prices.
* Accessibility.
People travel further to settlements that have good access. For
example many people visit London because you can get they’re easily
using the trains, motorways or airports like Heathrow or City airport.
* Size of settlement.
Settlements with a large population or a large urban size support
higher order shops. People travel further to visit these shops.
* Special functions of a settlement.
People travel further to settlements that have a special role.