Interdependency of spatial structure and spatial behavior: A general field theory formulation

Abstract

A general field theory, made operational through multivariate analysis, very obviously provides a powerful way of analyzing spatial structure, spatial behavior, and their interdependencies. The essential link is provided by dyadic representation of interaction potentials in structural space, thus drawing into the theory the social physicists' preoccupation with potentials and providing a multivariate generalization of it. With interdependencies established, the next step is obviously to look for generating mechanisms, and the first steps of Friedmann (6) and Pred (8) should be noted. A further avenue of exploration is that of system change and diffusion processes, and here the interaction potentials provide a relevant field for operation of diffusion mechanisms (9). Most generally, of course, the field theory provides a general format for concept building and testing in any situation where connections are sought between interactional and structural data.