Central place theory
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.