ABSTRACT

Spatial interaction provides the means for the satisfaction of certain needs arising from the locational separation of producers and consumers. In studying aggregate patterns of interaction within an urban system, emphasis should be placed on at least two aspects, namely the distribution of trip end and the trip generation and attraction of the different land uses. Any attempt to formulate a concept of spatial efficiency must relate it to the ease of movement within the urban system. While the analysis of both aggregate land use and households provide some understanding of intra-city spatial interaction, there is need for a synthesis of the thoughts for a full appreciation of their role in the structuring of the urban space. The spatial organisation of a city is definitely a function of the level of economic development of its hinterland, as well as the origin of the city.