Conventional methods and models for spatial data analysis are based on 'hard' (quantitative, cardinally-measured) information. Approaches such as location-allocation models, optimization models, entropy models, spatial assignment models and regional growth models all re flect the past trend to cast complex and multidimensional spatial interaction patterns in the framework of a cardinal metric system. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the analysis of 'soft', qualitative or categoricaily-measured data. In the fields of both parametric and non-parametric statistics and...

The worldwide interest in sustainable development has not only prompted ecological developments in policy and research in key sectors such as industry or transportation, but also in the management and assessment of new lifestyles such as healthy food consumption and sustainable use of products. In this context, agriculture is an important example because of its dual nature as both a high-tech sector producing modern mass products and also a traditional sector producing environmentally-friendly goods. Illustrated by a range of case studies from across Europe, this volume examines the interface...

Published in 1998. Migration patterns at the global level have become more complex, affecting more countries, more people and for a greater variety of reasons. Consequently, international migration is receiving increasing attention throughout the world. Migration is an inherently spatial phenomenon. But while the spatial patterns themselves have been described in recent surveys of global contemporary international migration, the causes and consequences of the spatial patterns have received surprisingly little systematic attention. Often migration is seen just from a host country perspective,...

In recent years, economic crises, regional fragmentation trends, radical technological innovation and the failures of regional policies have expanded the knowledge horizon of experts in regional growth and development. This fully updated, revised and expanded Second Edition contains eight new chapters, as well as exploring theories prevalent in the first edition in the face of recent changes in the field. With 30 chapters from leading experts from across the globe, this Handbook looks at new pathways in regional economics, presenting the most cutting-edge theories explaining regional...

This book addresses unexpected disasters and shocks in cities and urban systems by providing quantitative and qualitative tools for impact analysis and disaster management. Including environmental catastrophes, political turbulence and economic shocks, Resilience and Urban Disasters explores a large range of tumultuous events and key case studies to thoroughly cover these core areas. Chapters explore novel contributions on urban evolution and adjustment patterns based on studies from across the globe. Both causal mechanisms and policy responses to the high social costs of urban disasters...