Heirarchy of Urban System and its objective

This ppt is all about the heirarchy of urban system

1. Concept of Hierarchy in Urban System

2. The Urban System concept was first introduced by Brian J.L. Berry in 1964 through his influential work, "Cities as Systems within Systems of Cities." This concept suggests that urban areas are not isolated entities but are instead interconnected through various relationships with other towns and cities. An urban system can be described as a network of interdependent urban locations. The idea of urban hierarchy takes into account the differences in population sizes and economic functions between various urban areas . Analyzing urban hierarchy involves ranking cities according to specific criteria , such as population size , economic strength, retail sales , and the number of industrial workers . Urban settlements can be arranged in a hierarchical order , from top to bottom , based on their population size . This classification is typically done using three main criteria: Population size: Larger cities rank higher in the hierarchy, while smaller towns and settlements rank lower.

3. Functions performed: Cities that serve more significant economic, political, or cultural functions have a higher rank in the hierarchy than those with fewer such functions. Sphere of influence: Cities with a more extensive reach or impact on surrounding areas rank higher in the hierarchy than those with a more limited sphere of influence. The hierarchy of urban settlements is determined by several factors, including population size, economic activities, infrastructure, administrative functions, cultural significance, and geographical location . Larger cities with diverse economic activities and better infrastructure tend to have higher positions in the hierarchy . The hierarchy of urban settlements plays a crucial role in regional development. Higher ranked urban settlements often act as regional centers , attracting investments, businesses, and services . They provide employment opportunities , educational institutions , healthcare facilities , and better infrastructure , which leads to overall development in the surrounding areas.

4. The hierarchy of urban settlements typically includes different levels such as megacities, metropolises, cities, towns, and villages. Megacities are the largest and most influential urban areas, followed by metropolises, which are characterized by significant economic activities and a large population. Cities have a diverse range of services and amenities, while towns and villages are smaller settlements with fewer facilities. Types of Hierarchy of Urban Settlements The hierarchy of urban settlements can be classified into several types, including: Metropolitan Areas: Metropolitan areas are the largest and most developed urban centers in a region or country. They typically have a population of over one million and are characterized by high levels of economic activity, political influence, and cultural significance. Regional Centers: Regional centers are urban settlements that serve as economic and political hubs for a particular region. They may have populations ranging from 100,000 to one million and play a significant role in regional development and organiza

5. Intermediate Centers: Intermediate centers are urban settlements that are smaller than regional centers but larger than smaller towns or villages. They may have populations ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 and play a role in local economic and social development . Small Towns and Villages: Small towns and villages are the smallest and least developed urban settlements in a region or country. They may have populations ranging from a few hundred to 10,000 and are characterized by low levels of economic activity and political influence .

6. The town has further divided into the following hierarchy : Class 1: Population between 1 lakh to 5 lakh Class 2: Population between 50,000 to 1 lakh Class 3: Population between 20, 000 to 50,000 Class 4: Population between 10, 000 to 20,000 Class 5: Population between 5, 000 to 10,000 Urban planning takes into account the hierarchy of urban settlements to ensure balanced and sustainable development. It involves strategic allocation of resources, Infrastructure development, and land- use planning based on the needs and functions of different levels of urban settlements. This helps in promoting equitable growth and enhancing the livability of both larger cities and smaller towns and villages.

7. Issues with Hierarchy of Urban Settlements Despite the importance of understanding the hierarchy of urban settlements, there are several issues associated with the topic, including: Economic Disparities: The hierarchy of urban settlements can lead to economic disparities between different urban centers and rural areas, leading to inequality and social tension . Environmental Concerns: Urban settlements can have a significant impact on the environment through activities such as transportation, construction, and waste management . Social Isolation: Urban settlements can be socially isolated, with limited access to services and amenities such as healthcare, education, and cultural institutions . Infrastructure: Urban settlements can face challenges related to infrastructure, such as traffic congestion, housing shortages, and limited access to public transportation.