THE INTEGRATION OF CENTRAL PLACE THEORY WITH THE EMERGING URBAN NETWORK IDEA

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to prove that the central place theory is not only effective, but also can be integrated with the emerging urban network concept. This will be achieved through the concept of the overall urban system, and through the definition and implementation of the Central Place Importance Composite Index (CPI), which uses the Greater Pearl River Delta as an empirical research area. The results show that because CPT has shortcomings in describing regional urban systems, especially those dimensions that contribute to urbanization but are not controlled by the central government, and the theory of polycentric urban regions has encountered obstacles in defining the relative importance of settlements.