Comments on landscape evolution and diffusion processes

Abstract

Brown L. A. and Malecki E. J. (1977) Comments on landscape evolution and diffusion processes, Reg. Studies 11, 211–223. This paper is concerned with the linkage between landscape evolution and the diffusion of entrepreneurial or other organizational entities related to differentials in urban area growth. Drawing upon the conceptual model of diffusion agency establishment and a case study of the diffusion of the bank credit card in Ohio and West Virginia, this paper provides a detailed example of the considerable effect of a central propagator upon the temporal and spatial patterns of diffusion. One conclusion is that to account for the diffusion underpinnings of landscape evolution, the population and distance notions of traditional diffusion models and the assumptions of empirical regularity are not sound. Needed instead is a more comprehensive model, derived by looking towards the organizational decision making process, which often involves turning to the unique institutional setting in which such decisions are made.

Keywords:

• Diffusion
• Innovation
• Urban system
• Landscape evolution
• Entrepreneur