Urban Models in AP Human Geography

Introduction to Urban Models

• Explanation of seven urban models needed for AP Human Geography.
• Importance of understanding the bid rent theory for these models.

Bid Rent Theory

• Land costs decrease as distance from the Central Business District (CBD) increases.
• Impacts spatial layout of settlements and land use.
• High density near CBD leads to vertical expansion (skyscrapers), while low density leads to horizontal expansion (single-family homes).
• Manufacturing and warehouses locate near but outside the CBD for cheaper land.

Burgess Concentric Zone Model

• Based on 1920s Chicago.
• CBD at center, surrounded by older homes; new developments are farthest.
• Lower-income residents and industries in the zone of transition.
• Commuter Zone: people live outside city limits and commute.
• Becoming outdated due to globalization and urban renewal.

Hoyt Sector Model

• Focus on transportation with CBD at the center.
• City develops in sectors based on economic or environmental factors.
• Transportation routes crucial for business location.
• Dated due to changes in transportation, development of edge cities.

Harris and Ullman Multiple Nuclei Model

• Created in 1945, reflects changes in technology and transportation.
• Multiple CBDs leading to a complex spatial layout.
• Nodes within the city attract specific businesses and demographics.

Galactic Model (Peripheral Model)

• Developed in the 1960s for post-industrial cities.
• Service-based economy with focus on technology and transportation.
• Acknowledges edge cities located outside the city, near beltways.
• Example: Atlanta, with a high-density CBD and surrounding infrastructure.

Latin American City Model

• Reflects European colonization and features a central plaza.
• CBD with a spine extending outward, connecting to commercial sectors.
• Zones of maturity, middle, and low-income housing.
• Disamenity zones and informal settlements on the periphery.

Sub-Saharan African City Model

• Impact of European colonization with grid patterns.
• Three CBDs: Colonial, Traditional, and Informal.
• Ethnic neighborhoods and informal settlements.
• Influences from colonial era and apartheid.

Southeast Asian City Model

• No traditional CBD; centered around a port.
• Influence of geography, colonial trading, and urbanization.
• Alien commercial zones and special economic zones.
• Residential areas often mixed socioeconomically.

Conclusion

• Overview of urban models and their characteristics.
• Encouragement to practice and apply knowledge.