Surrounding Larger Neighbors and the Atlantic Coast Cardinal Neighbor Gradient

Abstract

Cardinal place theory concerns the identification and analysis of a family of closely related geometric patterns that cities and other population centers form when they are linked together into large networks according to certain mathematical rules. One such network is the surrounding larger neighbor system. Another is the cardinal neighbor gradient, where cities are linked with their nearest larger neighboring cities to form systems of larger and smaller places. Using a series of computer programs it was possible to identify these networks along the Atlantic Coast and to record their patterns on maps. These maps show that since 1950 the Atlantic Coast cardinal neighbor gradient has been expanding steadily outward.