Acta Geographica Sinica ›› 2011, Vol. 66 ›› Issue (2): 189-198.doi: 10.11821/xb201102005

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The Study of Urban Spheres of Influence Based on Improved Field Model and Its Applications:A Case Study of Central China

WANG Li1,2,3, DENG Yu3,4, LIU Shenghe4, WANG Jianghao3,4   

  1. 1. Institute of Policy and Management, CAS, Beijing 100190, China;
    2. Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Natural and Social Sciences, CAS, Beijing 100190, China;
    3. Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
    4. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
  • Received:2010-05-20 Revised:2010-08-20 Online:2011-02-20 Published:2011-02-20
  • Supported by:

    National Natural Science Foundation of China No.40971102; Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.KZCX2-YW-322; Special Grant for Postgraduates' Scientific Innovation and Social Practice in 2008

Abstract: Due to unique advantages in a clear understanding of the interrelationship between city and its hinterland, as well as city and city, the study on urban spheres of influence is becoming a highlight in regional research. This paper improves traditional field models in two aspects: the composite indicator and regional accessibility, in order to delineate urban spheres of influence more reasonably. Taking three years of central China as a case study, this paper investigates dynamic evolution of urban spheres of influence. Focusing on the evolution of spatial pattern, we abstract three stages and its corresponding five types theoretically. Finally, recommendation of development has been made for each stage. This study undertakes certain exploration in the study of urban spheres of influence from the perspective of theory and practice, which can provide some references for the studies in this field and other regional research.

Key words: field model, urban spheres of influence, spatial pattern, evolution, central China