World City Characteristics

Question 1

Urban form

Answer 1

Relates to the physical characteristics that go towards making up an urban area. Includes shape, size, density of population and configuration of the settlement.

Question 2

World cities characteristics

Answer 2

. Major manufacturing centres with ports and container facilities
. Centres of new ideas and innovations in business, economics, culture and politics
. Centres of media and communications for global networks
. High percentage of residents employed in the services and information sector
. High quality educational institutions including renowned universities and international student attendance

Question 3

Human factors determining urban form

Answer 3

. Trading centres - areas grown as a result of trade historically at coastal ports
. Government policy - regeneration often results from government ideology
. Transport links - connection via road, rail, sea and air increase likelihood of growth in area

Question 4

Physical factors determining urban form

Answer 4

. Wet ponts - areas with a good water supply
. Dry points - areas far from flood risk - changes with sea level rise
. Gap towns - towns located in between two areas of high land
. Resources - important for industry but less important as service sector dominates
. Relief - need for flat land for building