What does central place theory primarily describe?

Central place theory primarily describes the spatial relationships between cities of different sizes and functions. Developed by Walter Christaller in the 1930s, this theory explains how and where central places, or cities, are established based on their size, market area, and the goods and services they provide. The theory posits that larger cities provide a wider range of services and attract customers from a larger area, while smaller towns offer limited services and serve smaller populations. This relationship helps to explain the distribution of cities across a landscape, indicating that cities are not randomly placed but rather follow a pattern dictated by their centrality and the market area they serve.

This theory is pivotal in understanding urban hierarchies and the organization of settlements, emphasizing how the size and function of a city influence its geographical location and the spatial distribution of other surrounding urban areas.