Variations of the Central Places Theory

In central places theory the k value is often used to define the geographical relationship between different orders. With a k=3 relationship, each market area of a superior order contains three market areas of a lower order. Several other values of k can be possible, but the most common are 3, 4 and 7:

• The marketing principle (k=3). The territory is served by a minimum number of urban centers. Each centre has the largest choice (3) to purchase goods and services of an higher order.
• The transport principle (k=4). In this distribution, as many centers as possible are along main transport lines. The system tends to be linear in orientation. With the transportation principle, towns not on major transportation routes are smaller than expected because on the market principle. Transportation routes attract business and allow more and large towns to develop along the railroad.
• The administrative principle (k=7). The central place system is organized in such a way that there is a clear separation or all market areas. In the k=3 and k=4 principles the border between market areas of a centre of higher order is composed of lines between centers of lower order. Administratively, it does not make sense, so according to this principle, the boundary is located halfway between two centers of the same order. Political boundaries also "distort" the even pattern of cities.

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