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Geography
Changing Cities Presentation (Edexcel Geography A)
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9 Dec 2025
•
Urban Change and Development: Urbanisation and Norwich Overview (Geography Edexcel A)
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Changing Cities
Cities everywhere are transforming, but the speed and challenges vary dramatically depending on where you look. Understanding these changes helps explain why some cities thrive whilst others struggle with massive problems.
The story of urban growth isn't the same everywhere - timing makes all the difference in how well cities can cope with change.
Key Terms You Need to Know
Let's get the essential vocabulary sorted first. Developed countries (MEDCs) are the wealthy nations, whilst developing or emerging countries (LEDCs) have less wealth and resources.
Urbanisation means more people are moving to live in cities rather than the countryside. Think of rural areas as the less built-up countryside, and urban areas as the densely packed cities.
Re-urbanisation is when people (especially young professionals) move back into city centres after previously leaving for the suburbs. It's like cities getting a second wind of popularity.
Quick tip: Remember MEDC = More Economically Developed Country, LEDC = Less Economically Developed Country
Understanding Urbanisation Patterns
Here's where timing becomes crucial. Developed countries went through their major urbanisation during the 18th-19th centuries, right alongside their industrial and agricultural revolutions.
Developing countries are experiencing urbanisation now - and it's happening at breakneck speed. This creates serious headaches like overcrowding, housing shortages, overstretched healthcare systems, rising crime, and pollution.
Two main factors drive this rapid urban growth: natural increase (more births than deaths as people live longer) and rural-urban migration. The problem? Cities in developing countries are changing so quickly that essential services simply can't keep pace with the demand.
Remember: Fast urbanisation without proper planning = major problems for cities and their residents
Urbanisation in the UK
The UK's urban development isn't spread evenly across the country - four key factors explain this uneven pattern. Physical factors matter because steep slopes make building and farming much harder.
Historic factors shaped where cities grew. The industrial revolution sparked rapid growth in coalfield areas like South Wales, where fuel was readily available for factories.
Political factors influence location too - companies often want to be near government decision-makers. Economic factors have recently driven growth southward, especially with the development of tertiary (transport) and quaternary (research and technology) industries.
These four factors working together explain why some parts of the UK are densely populated whilst others remain relatively empty.
Key insight: Geography, history, politics, and economics all work together to shape where people choose to live and work
Norwich City Case Study
Time to look at a real example! Norwich provides a perfect case study for understanding how UK cities develop and function in practice.
This historic city demonstrates many of the principles we've been discussing about urban development and land use patterns.
Settlement Characteristics of Norwich
Understanding any city requires looking at four key characteristics. Site refers to the actual land the settlement sits on - Norwich benefits from flat floodplain with fertile soil, a low river crossing point on the Wensum, and solid chalk bedrock.
Situation describes the city's location relative to other features. Norwich sits near the Wensum-Yare confluence, which flows to Great Yarmouth, and it's well-positioned near Thetford, Cambridge, and London.
Connectivity measures how well the city links to other places. Norwich connects to London via the A11 and rail links, plus its airport provides global connections through Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
Function covers the city's main activities - Norwich serves as a market town, tourist destination, residential area, and transport hub all rolled into one.
Study tip: Remember the four S's - Site, Situation, and... well, Connectivity and Function! These four elements explain why cities succeed or struggle.
Understanding Urban Land Use
Picture a city like a target with different rings. At the centre sits the CBD (Central Business District) with historic buildings, pedestrian areas, shops, and tourism - but no housing because land costs are sky-high and space is limited.
The inner city forms the next ring outward, packed with dense terraced houses (often without front gardens), corner shops, and limited parking. These areas developed during the industrial revolution to house factory workers, and land remains expensive with limited space.
The suburbs occupy the outer rings, featuring houses with gardens and parking, plus shopping parades and green spaces. As land becomes cheaper further out, suburbanisation creates these more spacious residential areas.
Finally, the rural-urban fringe marks where city meets countryside - the outermost edge of urban development.
Visual trick: Always remember the target pattern - CBD at the centre, then inner city, suburbs, and rural-urban fringe spreading outward like ripples
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Urban Change and Development: Urbanisation and Norwich Overview (Geography Edexcel A)
Cities around the world are changing rapidly, but not all in the same way. Whilst wealthy countries experienced their major urban growth centuries ago, developing nations are seeing massive city expansion right now - and it's happening much faster than... Show more
Changing Cities
Cities everywhere are transforming, but the speed and challenges vary dramatically depending on where you look. Understanding these changes helps explain why some cities thrive whilst others struggle with massive problems.
The story of urban growth isn't the same everywhere - timing makes all the difference in how well cities can cope with change.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Terms You Need to Know
Let's get the essential vocabulary sorted first. Developed countries (MEDCs) are the wealthy nations, whilst developing or emerging countries (LEDCs) have less wealth and resources.
Urbanisation means more people are moving to live in cities rather than the countryside. Think of rural areas as the less built-up countryside, and urban areas as the densely packed cities.
Re-urbanisation is when people (especially young professionals) move back into city centres after previously leaving for the suburbs. It's like cities getting a second wind of popularity.
Quick tip: Remember MEDC = More Economically Developed Country, LEDC = Less Economically Developed Country
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Understanding Urbanisation Patterns
Here's where timing becomes crucial. Developed countries went through their major urbanisation during the 18th-19th centuries, right alongside their industrial and agricultural revolutions.
Developing countries are experiencing urbanisation now - and it's happening at breakneck speed. This creates serious headaches like overcrowding, housing shortages, overstretched healthcare systems, rising crime, and pollution.
Two main factors drive this rapid urban growth: natural increase (more births than deaths as people live longer) and rural-urban migration. The problem? Cities in developing countries are changing so quickly that essential services simply can't keep pace with the demand.
Remember: Fast urbanisation without proper planning = major problems for cities and their residents
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Urbanisation in the UK
The UK's urban development isn't spread evenly across the country - four key factors explain this uneven pattern. Physical factors matter because steep slopes make building and farming much harder.
Historic factors shaped where cities grew. The industrial revolution sparked rapid growth in coalfield areas like South Wales, where fuel was readily available for factories.
Political factors influence location too - companies often want to be near government decision-makers. Economic factors have recently driven growth southward, especially with the development of tertiary (transport) and quaternary (research and technology) industries.
These four factors working together explain why some parts of the UK are densely populated whilst others remain relatively empty.
Key insight: Geography, history, politics, and economics all work together to shape where people choose to live and work
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Norwich City Case Study
Time to look at a real example! Norwich provides a perfect case study for understanding how UK cities develop and function in practice.
This historic city demonstrates many of the principles we've been discussing about urban development and land use patterns.
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Settlement Characteristics of Norwich
Understanding any city requires looking at four key characteristics. Site refers to the actual land the settlement sits on - Norwich benefits from flat floodplain with fertile soil, a low river crossing point on the Wensum, and solid chalk bedrock.
Situation describes the city's location relative to other features. Norwich sits near the Wensum-Yare confluence, which flows to Great Yarmouth, and it's well-positioned near Thetford, Cambridge, and London.
Connectivity measures how well the city links to other places. Norwich connects to London via the A11 and rail links, plus its airport provides global connections through Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
Function covers the city's main activities - Norwich serves as a market town, tourist destination, residential area, and transport hub all rolled into one.
Study tip: Remember the four S's - Site, Situation, and... well, Connectivity and Function! These four elements explain why cities succeed or struggle.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Understanding Urban Land Use
Picture a city like a target with different rings. At the centre sits the CBD (Central Business District) with historic buildings, pedestrian areas, shops, and tourism - but no housing because land costs are sky-high and space is limited.
The inner city forms the next ring outward, packed with dense terraced houses (often without front gardens), corner shops, and limited parking. These areas developed during the industrial revolution to house factory workers, and land remains expensive with limited space.
The suburbs occupy the outer rings, featuring houses with gardens and parking, plus shopping parades and green spaces. As land becomes cheaper further out, suburbanisation creates these more spacious residential areas.
Finally, the rural-urban fringe marks where city meets countryside - the outermost edge of urban development.
Visual trick: Always remember the target pattern - CBD at the centre, then inner city, suburbs, and rural-urban fringe spreading outward like ripples
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user