Unit 6 Flashcards
- What are the six main urban hearths?
Mesoamenta, Peru, Nile Valley, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, Huang He Valley
Site factors
Characteristics of a place that are specific to that location: Climate, absolute location, natural resources
- Describe how the internet has impacted the spatial layout of urban areas.
The internet has allowed people and businesses to leave urban areas in favor of the suburbs, which decreases the amount of traffic downtown and leads to more urban sprawl
- Identify three ways in which transportation has impacted settlements.
1) Allows people to live farther away from an urban area 2) Changes settlement patterns and business locations 3) Increases the amount of goods and services for people across a geographic area
Situation factors
Characteristics that are near a place and impact its growth, development, or daily life: Rivers, roads, relative location
- When looking at settlements and migration patterns, what patterns tend to occur as a society becomes more economically developed?
Explain. People emigrate from rural areas in favor of urban areas. Urbanization occurs due to the amount of economic and social opportunities large urban areas offer
- Identify two reasons why counter-urbanization would occur.
1) The cost of living in the city increases 2) People are looking for more land but still want to be connected to the city
- What are three ways a government can influence life in a settlement?
1) Implement price ceilings 2) Shift tax policies to increase public services in a city 3) Provide more resources and tax breaks for residents
- What is the difference between a megacity and a metacity?
A metacity is a metropolitan area with a population higher than 20 million people. A megacity has a population higher than 10 million
- How is the location of metacities and megacities, changing?
Many of the world’s most populous cities are located in core countries. However, that is starting to change as more countries move into stages 2 and 3 of the demographic transition model, creating a population boom in cities in the periphery and semi-periphery
Exurb
A settlement that exists outside of a suburban area but remains connected to the metropolitan area
Edge City
A settlement that has its own economic district and is located on the outskirts of a city near a beltway or
Boomburb
A rapidly growing suburban city that has developed its own unique identity
- Describe the concept of urban hierarchy.
A system that classifies cities based on their population size, economic activity, and the level of global connectivity
- Explain what urban decentralization is and why it occurs.
The movement of a population away from an urban area to the peripheral areas, resulting in power and money shifting to the peripheral areas. This happens due to shifts in migration, specifically counter-urbanization
- Identify a type of diffusion that occurs due to global cities. Explain.
Hierarchical diffusion. Information, goods/services, and cultures often move between different global cities first, then diffuse down to smaller settlements in the region and other large settlements in the state, eventually making it down to the state’s smaller settlements
- List the different characteristics of a global/world city.
These cities have a high degree of influence on the rest of the world; traditionally act as centers of global trade, finance, and culture; and tend to have a diverse population with a large variety of goods and services
- Identify four examples of a global city.
1) New York 2) London 3) Paris 4) Tokyo
- Define linkages.
The connection between different places or regions (e.g., transportation linkages involve movement of goods and people)
- Identify two different types of linkages and provide an example.
1) Transportation linkages (e.g., the movement of goods and people) 2) Economic linkages (e.g., connections between countries or regions in terms of trade and/or investment)
- Describe two characteristics of life in a state with a primate city. Answers will vary.
1) Unequal distribution of goods and services 2) The state will often become reliant on the primate citys economy
- Describe a primate city.
A city that has twice the population of the next-largest city in the state
- Identify two examples of a state with a primate city.
1) Mexico City 2) Seoul
- What does it mean if a state follows the rank-size rule?
The population of the second-largest city in the state is half that of the largest city, with the third largest city being one-third the size, and the fourth being one-quarter the size
- Describe two characteristics of life in a state that follows the rank-size rule. Answers will vary.
1) Goods and services will be dispersed throughout society 2) More opportunities for citizens exist outside of the largest settlement.
- Identify two examples of states that follow the rank-size rule.
1) The United States 2) Canada
- Explain how the gravity model predicts the interactions between different settlements.
The gravity model factors in the population size of settlements and the distance from other settlements. The larger the population of a settlement, the more likely it is that people/businesses/settlements will interact with even if they are geographically farther away
- Describe why people are more likely to migrate to larger settlements than smaller ones.
Larger settlements offer more economic, social, and political opportunities, while smaller settlements have less to offer
- What is the difference between range and threshold?
Threshold is the minimum number of people that are required to support any goods or service. Range is the maximum distance a consumer is willing to travel for a certain good or service
- What does the central place theory show?
The spatial distribution of different settlements and goods/services
- Describe the spatial layout of the Burgess concentric-zone model.
The CBD is at the center, surrounded by different industries and lower-income residents. As you move outward from the CBD, you start to encounter newer homes and lower-density areas. (The model uses rings for each zone)
- Describe the spatial layout of the central place theory.
The model arranges settlements based on their urban hierarchy. The city has the most pull factors and has smaller settlements (villages) located around it. As you move farther away from the city, you start to see more mid-sized settlements (towns/market towns) spaced out, with smaller settlements surrounding them
- Explain one way in which European cities differ from cities in the United States.
European cities often have wealthier residents located closer to the CBD, while cities in the United States have wealthier residents located farther away. One reason for this is public transportation.
- Why has the burgess concentric model started to become outdated?
Globalization, advancements in transportation, and changes in the production of different goods and services have shifted the spatial layout of cities
- Describe the spatial layout of the Hoyt sector model.
The CBD is at the center, with sectors or wedges extending outwards. Going through the center of the settlement is transportation systems, connecting almost every section of the city. Different economic and environmental factors determine each sector
- Identify three ways the Hoyt-sector model has become outdated.
1) Changes in transportation systems 2) CBD is no longer as important 3) The rise of personal vehicles
- Describe the spatial layout of the multiple nuclei model.
The model has one large CBD; however, it also has smaller nodes located throughout the city. Each node attracts different goods, services, and people. People generally live in areas of the city that are near their work and share a similar economic background.
- Describe how a node in the model would attract certain people but repel others.
A section of the city that has more industrial jobs will attract workers in that specific industry. However, individuals with more income who work in the finance sector will be less likely to live in the area
- Describe the spatial layout of the galactic (peripheral) model.
This focuses on a city with a service-based economy. The CBD is still in the center. However, the city now has more advanced infrastructure throughout the city. Surrounding the city is a beltway on which different edge cities and settlements are located.
- Define beltway.
A highway that surrounds an urban area
- Identify an example of a city that follows the galactic model.
Atlanta
- Describe the spatial layout of the Latin American city model.
In the center is the CBD and market. Surrounding the center are residential neighborhoods, some of which have been gentrified. Extending outwards from the CBD is the spine, where many of the more wealthy businesses and residents live. Surrounding the city are informal settlements and squatter settlements
- Describe the spatial layout of the sub-Saharan African city model.
In the center are three different CBDs, surrounded by mixed and segregated neighborhoods. Infrastructure near the city center is the most robust; however, in the periphery areas, it is often lacking. Historically, roads have been used to segregate parts of the city, with the poorest individuals living in the surrounding informal settlements
- Explain why there is a market in the center of the city.
During the colonial era, European colonizers created many cities with a central plaza or square in the center
- Why does the Sub-Saharan African city model have informal satellite townships?
Due to the growing population in this region, many people are moving to urban areas. However, migrants often lack the money and opportunities to live in the city, so they settle in this outside ring
- Briefly explain how the CBD in the sub-Saharan African city model is different from the other models.
This model has three different CBDs: a colonial CBD, a traditional CBD, and a market zone
- What is the density gradient?
A gradual change in the density of a settlement from the center to the periphery
- What are three reasons for the Southeast Asian city model having a port instead of a CBD?
1) Geography of the region 2) Historical developments such as trading posts 3) Rapid urbanization in the area
- Describe the spatial layout of the Southeast Asian city model.
The port is the center of commerce, with everything in the city extending outwards from it. Next to the port is the government zone, alien commerce zone, and mixed land-use zone. This is due to the amount of trade and commerce that occurs in the city. Residential and industrial areas are located farther away from the port. Residential zones in the center of the city have mixed socioeconomic neighborhoods, with the wealthiest located on the side of the city
- Explain how the bid-rent theory impacts the internal structure of a city.
The closer you are to the CBD, the more expensive land is. As you move farther away from the CBD, the price of land goes down. People who wish to purchase land will consider the use of the land before developing. Any projects that require a larger amount of land and have lower transportation costs will be located farther away from the CBD. Buildings that are close to the CBD are more likely to expand vertically than horizontally, while buildings farther away from the CBD are more likely to expand horizontally.
- Describe three characteristics of high-density areas.
1) Buildings are often clustered together, resulting in taller buildings with smaller lot sizes 2) People utilize public transportation more 3) A large variety of goods/services is available
- What are mixed-use buildings?
Multi-story buildings that have multiple uses and functions
- Describe three characteristics of medium-density areas.
1) Increased number of single-family homes 2) More homes with a front and back yard 3) Retail stores separated from residential areas
- Provide an example of how a mixed-use building could be used
A building may have apartments on the upper levels, offices on the intermediate floors, and retail on the street level, along with an underground parking facility. This allows each part of the building to
be utilized in a manner that optimizes the residents efficiency and satisfaction
- Describe three characteristics of low-density areas.
1) Homes have large lot sizes 2) Residents depend on personal vehicles 3) More green spaces and larger roadways
- Define the built landscape.
The physical environment created by human beings, including buildings, streets, and other structures that shape the space people inhabit
- What is infrastructure?
The physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for a society, system, or organization to function
- Identify four different examples of infrastructure.
1) Electrical grids 2) Transportation systems 3) Hospitals and schools 4) Utilities
- How do investments in a city’s infrastructure impact life in the city?
Society often sees increased economic development, more opportunities for citizens, increased trade, and a higher standard of living for all residents
- Explain why the suburbs would not be possible without advancements in transportation.
The interstate system and the automobile allowed citizens to travel large distances in a short amount of time, transforming the urban landscape
- Explain how transportation’s evolution has impacted urban areas spatial lay.
Mass production of cars facilitated the growth of suburbs and a shift from vertical landscapes to a horizontal spread. Citizens started to move out of the CBD and into the suburbs (sprawl). With the rise of public transportation, more people are connected to different goods and services than ever before, creating more economic opportunities for all
- Explain how investing in a region’s communication systems can reduce inequality.
As more people become connected to the internet and other regions, they can gain access to more information. Faster internet speeds allow individuals to work from home, receive telehealth services, and purchase different goods online
- How would expanding a city’s public transportation offerings to the suburbs hurt the environment?
Expanding public services often makes it easier to get in and out of a city, which would lead to greater counter-urbanization. This would result in urban sprawl and expand the city’s ecological footprint
- Identify three problems a city may face if it does not invest in infrastructure.
1) Schools and hospitals could become overcrowded 2) Roads and electrical grids could fail 3) Public services may be unable to serve all citizens equally
- What is urban sustainability?
An urban environment that promotes sustainable economic and social growth while also promoting environmental sustainability
- What is the difference between social and economic sustainability?
Economic sustainability focuses on creating inclusive economic development that offers equal opportunities for all residents. Social sustainability focuses on creating communities that provide education, healthcare services, and social opportunities for all residents
Smart growth policies
Urban policies that seek to reduce urban sprawl and protect farmland surrounding the city
Greenbelt
An area of land outside an urban area that is set aside for conservation or recreational purposes
Urban sprawl
The unrestricted growth and expansion of an urban or suburban area into the surrounding countryside
New urbanism
Urban planning that seeks to create compact and walkable cities that are sustainable and socially connected. (Often reflects European urban life)
Slow-growth cities
Urban areas that promote sustainable growth by limiting new development in the city’s periphery
Growth boundaries
Boundaries put in place to control urban sprawl by only allowing development to occur within the boundaries
Transit-oriented development
Strategically locating public transit stations throughout a city to reduce dependence on automobiles and provide convenient and accessible public transportation options
Infill development
Building within an existing developed area on land that is unused or underdeveloped
Smart cities
Cities that utilize technology and data to reduce inefficiencies, optimize resource usage, and improve residents’ quality of life
De facto segregation
The separation of people along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines that is not officially enforced by laws or regulations
Gentrification
The process of an urban area being revitalized, leads to the displacement of lower-income residents by wealthier residents
- Identify two positive ways in which urban planning can impact life in a city.
Can create a community feel, create entertainment, promote the arts, promote healthy living, create job opportunities, protect the environment, and create opportunities for citizens
- Identify two negative ways in which urban planning can impact life in a city.
Can create a cycle of poverty, limit opportunities for citizens, increase crime, push businesses out of a city, destroy local history, create environmental problems, and increase health concerns in an area
- What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?
Qualitative data is often up for debate and discussion; this information will change depending on how it is collected. Most of the time, this data is in word form and is based on people’s opinions. Quantitative data is often in number form and is not up for debate; this information is used to understand specific facts and details about a place
- Identify two ways qualitative data can be used to show how citizens view life in a city.
1) Officials may utilize social media to gauge public opinion on policies 2) Focus groups can be conducted to understand life in the region
- Identify two ways in which quantitative data can be used to show life in a city.
1) Census data can be used to see where to build new schools and hospitals 2 Crime data can be used to determine where in a city the police force needs to be increased
- Explain what redlining was.
A discriminatory practice where banks refused to provide loans to people who lived in neighborhoods deemed risky. (Risky neighborhoods were often minority neighborhoods)
- Explain how redlining caused an economic divide between racial groups in the United States.
African Americans and other minority groups denied home loans missed out on years of economic gain from owning property. In contrast, white America increased their property value, sold their home, and bought a largesproperty. Because of this, many minorities in the United States became stuck in a cycle of poverty and are still struggling to catch up
- Describe the process of blockbusting.
In this discriminatory practice, real estate agents would use misinformation about minority communities moving into a neighborhood to motivate white homeowners to sell their homes at a lower price. Once the agent purchased the property at a discount, they would then resell it at a higher price to a minority buyer who was previously excluded from the neighborhood
- What is white flight?
A phenomenon in which white residents migrate out of an urban area to a suburban area in large numbers
- What is urban blight?
The deterioration and decay of buildings in an urban area. It results in buildings losing almost all value and being abandoned, stripped, and often vandalized
- Define deindustrialization.
The decline of industrial production and manufacturing in an economy or region
- Explain why areas with less wealth are often more susceptible to being impacted by environmental injustices or becoming a food desert.
These areas traditionally have less political representation; thus, they have less of a voice in policy discussions. Furthermore, due to the region having less wealth, there are often fewer public services, businesses, and other amenities that would counter environmental injustices or a food desert
- Describe the concept of environmental injustice and provide an example.
The disproportionate distribution of environmental hazards among different social groups. For example, disposal sites are often located in regions with a lower-income population
- How could deindustrialization lead to a disamenity zone?
When factories and jobs leave a region, it could cripple its economy, resulting in less tax revenue for the city. This would make it difficult for the government to provide essential services, improve infrastructure, and invest in the city, potentially leading to urban blight, increased crime and poverty, and possibly squatter settlements
Revitalization programs
Programs put in place to attract people back to an area by promoting economic growth and creating new opportunities for residents
- What is the difference between a disamenity zone and an informal settlement?
A disamenity zone is an area or region within a city that lacks public services and quality infrastructure and has a higher concentration of crime, poverty, and sometimes squatter settlements. Informal settlements, or squatter settlements, are residential areas that have been developed without the people who live there having a legal claim to the land
Inclusionary zones
Areas with local policies in place, legal requirements, or incentives for developers to create affordable housing for lower-income families
Urban renewal
The process of improving and revitalizing a deteriorating part of an urban area
Gentrification
The process of an urban area being revitalized, leading to the displacement of lower-income residents by wealthier residents
De facto segregation
The separation of people along racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic lines that is not officially enforced by laws or regulations
- How does the fragmentation of governments create challenges for cities?
The federal government cannot dictate city policies but can provide grants to cities with strings attached. This forces cities to complete projects based on the federal governments conditions rather than the local governments wants. States, unlike the federal government, can influence city planning. Most planning is done at the regional and local levels. Local governments, cities, and counties control the land around cities. Furthermore, special districts regulate certain public services or large sroject areas. With all these different layers of government, programs can become complicated due to the large bureaucracy
- Why does urban sprawl negatively impact a city’s sustainability?
It stretches city resources over a large geographical area, increasing taxes, driving up construction costs, destroying the natural landscape, and reducing the health of neighborhood communities
- What do we mean when we talk about a city’s ecological footprint?
The amount of land and resources used to support a city’s population
- Explain what happens to a region’s biodiversity as urban areas expand.
The biodiversity decreases as the city expands. Residential areas often pave over unique ecosystems, habitats, and green spaces, which decreases the variety of plants, animals, and organisms in the area
- Identify three challenges rapidly growing urban areas face.
1) Increased demand for sewage and trash services 2) Increased air and water pollution 3) Increased demand for housing and public services
- Identify three different things settlements can do to reduce their ecological footprint.
1) Implement smart growth policies 2) Create greenbelts and growth boundaries 3) Undertake infill development
- What is a brownfield site?
An abandoned property that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is contaminated with hazardous pollutants
- What do farmland protection policies do?
Explain. They seek to protect agricultural land by zoning the land for agricultural use only
- Briefly describe why informal settlements and squatter settlements are located on the models periphery.
These cities tend to be in countries that are in stage 2 of the demographic transition model, meaning that the state has a high RNI and many residents are moving to urban areas
