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Delineation of Formal Regions Explained

The document discusses different types of regions and methods for delineating formal regions. It defines a formal region as a geographically homogeneous area based on consistent social, physical, or political characteristics. Two common techniques for delineating formal regions are described: weighted index number methods and factor analysis. The weighted index method assigns values to variables in local areas to identify regions with similar characteristics. Factor analysis maps different parameters separately and identifies the overlapping area as the region. Delineation of formal regions aims to group local areas with similar traits that differ from outside areas based on criteria like economic indicators.

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Neha Mishra
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96 views3 pages

Delineation of Formal Regions Explained

The document discusses different types of regions and methods for delineating formal regions. It defines a formal region as a geographically homogeneous area based on consistent social, physical, or political characteristics. Two common techniques for delineating formal regions are described: weighted index number methods and factor analysis. The weighted index method assigns values to variables in local areas to identify regions with similar characteristics. Factor analysis maps different parameters separately and identifies the overlapping area as the region. Delineation of formal regions aims to group local areas with similar traits that differ from outside areas based on criteria like economic indicators.

Uploaded by

Neha Mishra
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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GEO-A CC4-P (Regional Planning) Date -27.03.

2020
Delineation of formal regions
Dr. Sayantani Mukhopadhyay
Associate Professor in Geography

To understand delineation of regions we first need to understand what are the different kinds
of regions as each region on the basis of its characteristics is to be handled separately using
different techniques or combination of techniques.

There are three basic kinds of regions:

 Formal region
 Functional region and
 Planning region

A formal region is a geographical region which is homogeneous and uniform within a


specified criterion. This specified criterion could be social, physical or political. Example –
Himalayan Region, Sub-Tropical Region, etc.

A geographical region which displays a certain functional coherence, an interdependence of


parts when defined on the basis of certain criteria is known as a functional region. It is
sometimes referred as nodal or polarized region and is composed of heterogeneous units such
as cities, towns & villages which are functionally inter-related. Example – National Capital
Region.

A planning region can be defined as a geographical region where designing and


implementation of development plan is possible for tackling of regional problems. Example –
Delhi Metropolitan Region.

Regional delineation is the first step in the preparation of any regional development plan to
ensure tentative operational area of planning. Within the planning region the frame of all
regional studies could be undertaken and development envisaged.

Delineation of formal regions involves the grouping together of local units which have similar
characteristics according to certain clearly defined criteria and which differ significantly from
the units outside the region on the basis of certain chosen criteria.

 The criteria can be unemployment rates, activity rate, migration trends, per capita income
etc.
 The characteristics should differ significantly from units outside the region.
 Two techniques for delineation of formal regions are detailed below.

The delineation depends on the development objectives.


Variables for delineation of formal region (homogeneous):

 Land use characteristics


 Demographic characteristics
 Transport infrastructure
 Social service and public utilities
 Socio-economic structures

Methods for Delineation of formal regions

 Weighted index number methods


 Factor analysis

The Weighted Index Number Method


In this method, some indices (parameters) are chosen and given weights, total weights for each part
is separately calculated and areas with similar weights are carved out. This area is termed as ‘region’.
To carve out a region of economic backwardness the parameters chosen were % of unemployment
and Per capita income. Then accordingly the weights were set up. It was decided that for every 1% of
unemployment 2 weights shall be assigned and setting 1000 as the base for every 50 points below
1000, 1 weight shall be assigned. Hence more is the total weight more is the backwardness.
Suppose we consider a hypothetical area divided into 9 blocks having the given unemployment
percentages and per capita income. If we then apply weights to each block as stated in the previous
paragraph we will find that we can hatch an area with relatively more economic backwardness.

Hence, after assigning the weights we could find that area HIFC forms the area of economic
backwardness. There are certain demerits of this method. To apply this method, the region must
have proper delineated parts. This method can only be applied where quantifiable data is
available and this method is not useful for delineating regions having natural/ physiographic
features.

Similarly, we can use this method for employment & income level delineation

 The study area is divided into several localities varying according to unemployment rates
and per capita income levels.
 The aim is to isolate the main problem region; i.e. the area of economic malaise.
 Weights are assigned to each criteria and when taken together and weighted, one of the
region can be isolated.
The Factor Analysis method
In this method, each parameter is mapped out separately and then all the maps are kept one
over the other. The common region that will be carved out after this exercise will form a
region.

 Used for delineating economic health regions.


 Smith identified 14 industrial criteria on a local employment exchange area base and
14 socio-economic criteria on a local authority base.
 Many of these criteria are interdependent. The factor analysis method can be used
to isolate these factors and to group areas on the basis of factor loadings.
 Smith identified ‘industrial change’ and industrial structure’ as major industrial factors,
and ‘population change’ and ‘social structure’ as major socio-economic factors.
 These factors help in delineating economic health regions.

Example: To carve out South Eastern Mineral Region. The parameters considered were
geology, minerals (coal, iron ore, bauxite, silica), availability of rail, soil, vegetation, climate,
and population. Each line depicts an aspect and is called girdle.

The area which satisfied 6 girdles was carved out and was called the SE resource region.
Sometimes some parts of the delineated area have administrative conflicts at those moments,
adjustment is done on the basis of smallest unit of delineation method.

Common questions

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The weighted index number method involves choosing parameters, assigning weights, and delineating regions based on total weights to identify areas like economic backwardness. However, its application is limited to regions with properly delineated parts and available quantifiable data. It is unsuitable for delineating regions with natural or physiographic features .

Challenges in applying factor analysis for regional delineation include handling interdependent socio-economic criteria, where overlapping influences can obscure clear delineations. Determining appropriate factor loadings and ensuring comprehensive data collection across diverse criteria such as population change and social structure require precise methodological planning and may complicate the carving out of distinct regions .

Delineation is crucial in regional development planning as it helps define the tentative operational area for planning. This ensures that the frame of all regional studies and the envisioned development can be systematically approached. The initial step involves grouping local units with similar characteristics, differing significantly from units outside the region, based on specific criteria such as unemployment rates and per capita income .

The factor analysis method is used to delineate economic health regions by mapping each parameter and superimposing these maps to carve out a region. Criteria such as industrial change, population change, socio-economic factors, and industrial structure are considered. This method can handle interdependent factors, allowing the identification of key areas based on factor loadings .

The weighted index number method requires quantifiable data such as unemployment rates and per capita income to identify economically backward regions. These indices are assigned weights, and regions are carved out based on their similarity in weights, illustrating economic conditions .

The weighted index number method involves choosing parameters and assigning weights to delineate regions. It requires delineated parts and quantifiable data and is not applicable to regions with natural features. In contrast, the factor analysis method maps each parameter separately and superimposes them to carve a region, suitable for economic health delineation by identifying major factors like 'industrial change' and 'social structure'. Factor analysis can handle interdependent criteria .

Delineation of formal regions may require adjustment of administrative boundaries due to conflicts that arise when regional characteristics do not align with existing boundaries. Adjustments are made using the smallest unit of delineation to ensure that the new boundaries account for the criteria used for regional delineation, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the region .

The three basic kinds of geographical regions are formal regions, functional regions, and planning regions. A formal region is homogeneous and uniform based on specific criteria, such as social, physical, or political characteristics. Functional regions are known for functional coherence and are composed of entities like cities and towns that are functionally interrelated. Planning regions are geographical areas where development plans can be implemented to address regional problems .

Socio-economic structures are critical criteria in the delineation of formal regions. They help define the homogeneity of an area by assessing aspects like land use, demographic characteristics, and public utilities. These structures provide insight into the regional dynamics and are essential for assigning weights in methods like the weighted index number method to determine regional characteristics distinctly .

Transport infrastructure is significant in formal region delineation as it reflects the connectivity and mobility aspects that define a region's integration and accessibility. Better infrastructure can influence regional cohesion and development, thus serving as a crucial criterion for helping distinguish a formal region from its neighbors in terms of economic potential and development .

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