A methodology of spatial organization of the cities of St. Petersburg agglomeration: Its importance for regional development purposes

Abstract

Subject. This article deals with the issues of spatial organization of the cities of St. Petersburg metropolitan area and potential socio-economic relationships between them in the form of clusters. Objectives. The article aims to determine the prospective relationships between the cities of St. Petersburg metropolitan area using optimal accessibility and centrality indicators. Methods. Based on the principle of polycentrism, the study involves systems and mathematical analyses, and the grouping method. Results. The article determines the absolute index of optimal interconnectedness (accessibility) and the centrality degree between the cities of St. Petersburg metropolitan area. Conclusions. The presented methodological approach to spatial organization of metropolitan cities helps identify potential relationships between them considering the possible future creation of specialized clusters.