Preliminary methods in seeking optimal system of centres applied to supraprovincial levels

Abstract

This article deals with the evolution of preliminary methods in seeking an optimal system of centres. The examination has been greatly simplified and the methods used have been applied only to one level. Same methods can be applied to the whole system of centres, however.

As a basis for the optimal system of centres the criterion of accessibility is used. The hierarchical nature of centres has been accepted, too. When these assumptions are accepted can two methods be used: linear programming and p‑median analysis. The results seem fairly realistic, but they cannot be used in practical planning because the basic assumptions are too simplified. The methods must be evolved further.