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Understanding City Structure and Migration
Cities don't just happen by accident – they develop in predictable patterns that you can spot in any major UK city. Rural-urban migration occurs when people leave countryside areas for cities, often because farming jobs disappear due to mechanisation. Sound familiar? It's been happening for centuries!
The Central Business District (CBD) sits right at the heart of every city. You'll recognise it as the area packed with shops, offices, and tourist spots where all the main roads meet. Land here costs a fortune, which is why buildings are tall and there's barely any green space.
Just outside the CBD, you'll find the inner city areas with their characteristic terraced housing and grid-pattern streets. These were built close to old factories so workers could walk to their jobs. Don't expect gardens or garages here – space was too valuable!
The suburbs represent the dream for many families. Located on city outskirts, these areas feature detached and semi-detached houses with actual gardens and garages. Streets wind around in crescents and cul-de-sacs, creating quieter residential areas away from main traffic routes.
Quick Tip: Next time you're in a city, try identifying these different zones – you'll be amazed how clearly the patterns emerge!
Rural-Urban Fringe and Shopping Changes
The rural-urban fringe marks where city meets countryside, characterised by large buildings with wide streets and plenty of parking. This area attracts retail and leisure complexes because land costs less, there's room to expand, and accessibility remains excellent without city centre congestion.
Out-of-town shopping centres have revolutionised where we shop, but they've created winners and losers. These centres offer everything under one roof with free parking and disabled access, making them incredibly popular with families. However, they've devastated many city centres by drawing away shoppers and major chain stores.
The effects are stark: CBD shops lose customers and profits, leading to empty units and job losses. Meanwhile, the countryside suffers from air and noise pollution as these massive developments sprawl outward.
Urban sprawl threatens green spaces, but planners fight back with greenbelts (protected countryside areas) and encouraging development on brownfield sites (previously used land) rather than pristine countryside.
Did You Know: Many UK cities use park-and-ride schemes and bypasses to manage traffic congestion – simple but effective solutions!
LEDC Urban Growth: Rio's Favelas
Cities in Less Economically Developed Countries face different challenges, perfectly illustrated by Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha favela. These informal settlements house millions of people in conditions that would shock most UK residents.
Living conditions in favelas present serious challenges: extremely high population density, open sewers, and rubbish everywhere create unhygienic environments. Buildings are poorly constructed and located on unwanted land like steep hillsides or near airports. Crime rates soar as gangs control territories, whilst polluted water spreads diseases like cholera.
However, innovative improvement strategies offer hope. Self-help schemes provide residents with building materials and training to upgrade their own homes, creating pride and ownership. Police pacification programmes tackle crime and drug use, whilst CCTV installation helps residents feel safer.
Physical improvements matter too. Widening roads like Rua 4 allows bin lorries and police cars better access, improving both sanitation and security. These practical solutions show how even the most challenging urban problems can be tackled with creativity and community involvement.
Remember: These improvement schemes work because they involve local people rather than imposing solutions from outside!
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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 Geography Notes
Ever wondered why your mate moved from a small village to Manchester, or why massive shopping centres keep popping up outside city centres? Urban geography explains how cities grow, change, and affect the people living in them – from the... Show more
Understanding City Structure and Migration
Cities don't just happen by accident – they develop in predictable patterns that you can spot in any major UK city. Rural-urban migration occurs when people leave countryside areas for cities, often because farming jobs disappear due to mechanisation. Sound familiar? It's been happening for centuries!
The Central Business District (CBD) sits right at the heart of every city. You'll recognise it as the area packed with shops, offices, and tourist spots where all the main roads meet. Land here costs a fortune, which is why buildings are tall and there's barely any green space.
Just outside the CBD, you'll find the inner city areas with their characteristic terraced housing and grid-pattern streets. These were built close to old factories so workers could walk to their jobs. Don't expect gardens or garages here – space was too valuable!
The suburbs represent the dream for many families. Located on city outskirts, these areas feature detached and semi-detached houses with actual gardens and garages. Streets wind around in crescents and cul-de-sacs, creating quieter residential areas away from main traffic routes.
Quick Tip: Next time you're in a city, try identifying these different zones – you'll be amazed how clearly the patterns emerge!
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Rural-Urban Fringe and Shopping Changes
The rural-urban fringe marks where city meets countryside, characterised by large buildings with wide streets and plenty of parking. This area attracts retail and leisure complexes because land costs less, there's room to expand, and accessibility remains excellent without city centre congestion.
Out-of-town shopping centres have revolutionised where we shop, but they've created winners and losers. These centres offer everything under one roof with free parking and disabled access, making them incredibly popular with families. However, they've devastated many city centres by drawing away shoppers and major chain stores.
The effects are stark: CBD shops lose customers and profits, leading to empty units and job losses. Meanwhile, the countryside suffers from air and noise pollution as these massive developments sprawl outward.
Urban sprawl threatens green spaces, but planners fight back with greenbelts (protected countryside areas) and encouraging development on brownfield sites (previously used land) rather than pristine countryside.
Did You Know: Many UK cities use park-and-ride schemes and bypasses to manage traffic congestion – simple but effective solutions!
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
LEDC Urban Growth: Rio's Favelas
Cities in Less Economically Developed Countries face different challenges, perfectly illustrated by Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha favela. These informal settlements house millions of people in conditions that would shock most UK residents.
Living conditions in favelas present serious challenges: extremely high population density, open sewers, and rubbish everywhere create unhygienic environments. Buildings are poorly constructed and located on unwanted land like steep hillsides or near airports. Crime rates soar as gangs control territories, whilst polluted water spreads diseases like cholera.
However, innovative improvement strategies offer hope. Self-help schemes provide residents with building materials and training to upgrade their own homes, creating pride and ownership. Police pacification programmes tackle crime and drug use, whilst CCTV installation helps residents feel safer.
Physical improvements matter too. Widening roads like Rua 4 allows bin lorries and police cars better access, improving both sanitation and security. These practical solutions show how even the most challenging urban problems can be tackled with creativity and community involvement.
Remember: These improvement schemes work because they involve local people rather than imposing solutions from outside!
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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Geography
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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