Non-Isotropic Conditions and the Shape of Market Areas

The left part of the figure represents the standard hexagonal shape of a set of markets under isotropic conditions. Each market has the same market area and is evenly spaced. This theoretical condition is obviously rarely found in reality. The two most important non-isotropic conditions impacting on the shape market areas are differences in density and accessibility. The middle part represents a condition where there is a concentric gradient of population density (from low to high) and a highway crossing through. Their possible outcome on the shape of the concerned market areas is portrayed on the right part of the figure.