ABSTRACT
A national economy can be viewed as a system of interacting regions. These may be of any size and character; some are predominantly rural while others are entirely urban. Information on urban and regional systems can be an essential component of successful development intervention. Censuses and remote sensing are the two primary sources of basic data on existing and potential regional functions and interactions. One of the first steps in analysis of urban and regional functions is development of profiles or regional statistical compendiums. Information on transportation systems and interregional flows of people and goods and services is essential to adequate understanding of urban and regional systems. Flow allocation models have been developed which determine the most efficient pattern of commodity flows. These models utilize data on the demand and surplus supply at each location and the cost of transport between each pair of locations.
