Abstract
A method of constructing a functional–spatial model of human settlement systems is proposed, which is based on the representation of the behaviour of residents in the use of facilities which differ in a functional sense. The functional–spatial model is a two-level system. At the microlevel, random links are incorporated between the elements of the system, and at the macrolevel, deterministic links are incorporated between the subsystems. To construct the macrolevel an entropy maximisation approach is used. Most attention is paid to the structural analysis of the macrolevel which is constructed as a system with a stochastic hierarchy structure. Characterisations of stochastic hierarchy are introduced and the methodology of their use in the creation of the functional–spatial model is explained. Possible applications of the model in the analysis of urban spatial structure are explored.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.