Central place theory

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Central place theory is an urban geographical theory that seeks to explain the number, size and range of market services in a commercial system or human settlements in a residential system. Introduced in 1933 it aims to illustrate how settlements locate in relation to one another, considering the size and distribution of 'central places.' The theory was first analysed by German geographer Walter Christaller, who asserted that settlements simply functioned as 'central places' providing economic services to surrounding areas. Christaller explained that a large number of small settlements will be situated relatively close to one another for efficiency, and because people don't want to travel far for everyday needs, like getting bread from a bakery. But people would travel further for more expensive and infrequent purchases or specialised goods and services which would be located in larger settlements that are farther apart.