Methods of Regionalisation

The methods of regionalization could be along the following lines.

1.     It could consider homogeneity, i.e., one set or a combination of physical & socio-economic attributes.

2.     It could be on the basis of nodality or polarization, i.e., forming a region around a core urban place.

3.     It could be on the basis of a programming or policy-oriented region, i.e., one based on administrative coherence or resemblance between the area being studied & the political institutions for effectuating policy decisions. (J.R. Meyer)

Regionalisation of Formal Region:

In identifying formal regions, we consider homogeneity or uniformity on the basis of certain criteria. For example, the economic criterion considers the per capita income level of a formal region.

If more than one feature is taken into consideration, the following methods are employed:

1.The Fixed Index Method:

Under the fixed index method, a common characteristics feature is chosen, i.e., per capita income, percentage of literacy, etc.

2.The Variable Index Method:

Under the variable index method, variable weights are attached to highlight different levels pf activities in different regions.

3.The Cluster Method:

The cluster method is employed to identify homogenous regions. The clusters are mapped with the help of mapping techniques whereas inter-related variables are mapped with the help of superimposed techniques. The composite ranking of areas is used when the variables are too many & have weak relations.

4.Weighted Index Number Method:

Under this method, divided the area into 9 parts on the basis of unemployment & per capita income. First, the area is divided into two parts on the basis of similarity or differences the per capita income & unemployment.

Fig: Weighted Index Number Method

Regionalisation of Formal Region:

The methods used are 

1.Flow Analysis Method:

Flow analysis considers intra-regional commuting flows, commodity flows, migration flows, trade area, newspaper circulation area & so on.

2.Gravitational Analysis Method:

Gravitational analysis studies the theoretical forces of attraction between two centres. The gravitational force between centres ‘i’ and ‘j’ can be expressed as – 

Gij = K []

Where, Gij = Gravitational force between centres i and j.

M_i and M_j = the masses of the centres i and j.

d_ij = distance between i and j.

K = constant.