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Explain the importance of hierarchy and hinterland in Central Place Theory - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2014
Question C
Explain the importance of hierarchy and hinterland in Central Place Theory.  KEY - City (Red Circle) - Town (Oran... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the importance of hierarchy and hinterland in Central Place Theory - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2014
Step 1
Explain the importance of hierarchy in Central Place Theory.
Answer
Hierarchy in Central Place Theory refers to the organization of settlements based on their size and the range of services they offer. At the top of the hierarchy are cities, which provide the most specialized services and attract a larger population. As you move down the hierarchy, towns, market towns, and villages provide fewer services and attract fewer people. This structure is crucial as it ensures that resources and services are distributed efficiently. For example, a large city serves not only its own population but also individuals from surrounding smaller towns and villages, thereby creating a central place that functions as a hub for economic activity and social services.
Step 2
Explain the importance of hinterland in Central Place Theory.
Answer
The hinterland is the area surrounding a central place that is influenced by it for goods and services. It plays a vital role in the economic viability of a settlement. A larger hinterland allows a central place to sustain itself by drawing in customers from a broader area. For instance, a market town may serve as a central location for multiple villages within its hinterland, providing access to goods that these villages do not offer. This interdependence strengthens the settlement’s economy and ensures that the hierarchy remains intact, as the hinterland must support the central place to function effectively. Additionally, it illustrates the spatial relationship between settlements.