Spatial Structures Introducing the Study of Spatial Systems in Human Geography
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Biographical note
Ron Johnston was one of the most influential geographers of his generation. At the time of his death he was Professor of Geography at Bristol University. He received numerous awards, including the Royal Geographical Society’s Murchison award and the Victoria Medal, and the Association of American Geographers’ lifetime achievement award. In 1999, he received the Vautrin Lud prize, geography’s highest award, and was elected a fellow of the British Academy the same year.Originally published in 1973, this book synthesizes the mass of material into an introduction to the study of spatial systems. Geographic literature of the time stressed the influence of the distance between places on both location decision-making and movement patterns, arguing that the spatial system is an ordered set of interacting locations. This system is created by human decisions, influenced by the distance factor, and the system’s morphology constrains further activities, including those which would alter it. Spatial Structures outlines the development of such systems, their present organization, and the ways in which they are changing. These themes are dealt with in three main chapters which focus on different spatial scales – the individual city, the nation state and the international system, within a simple classification of spatially organized activities.
Originally published in 1973, this book synthesizes the mass of material into an introduction to the study of spatial systems. Spatial Structures outlines the development of such systems, their present organization, and the ways in which they are changing.
Introduction. 1. Spatial Systems and Spatial Order 2. The National System 3. The Urban Place as a System 4. The International System.