The form of the regional density function

Parr J. B. (1985) The form of the regional density function, Reg. Studies 19, 535–546. The concept of the population density function is considered in the context of a metropolitan-area-based region. The observed characteristics of such a density function for the different parts of a region are outlined, and three mathematical functions are examined in terms of their ability to reflect these characteristics. Two of these functions, which have been widely employed in a metropolitan-area context, are shown to be inappropriate at the regional scale. A third function, the lognormal function, appears to be capable of reproducing these characteristics. Various aspects of this function are discussed, including its use in the analysis of spatial-structure development in highly urbanized regions.