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On the equilibrium distribution of population in space

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Abstract

Spatial equilibrium distributions of population are derived from the spatial distribution of net rates of reproduction, and from a relationship between migratory flow and gradients of population density and of locational “attractiveness.” Conditions are discussed for which population approaches a uniform spatial density. Under certain conditions a particularly simple statement of the equilibrium conditions is possible in terms of the “potential of population,” a concept introduced by demographers (J. Q. Stewart,Geographical Review,37, 46–85, 1947) to measure the proximity of a point to people.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University, USA

    Martin J. Beckmann

Authors
  1. Martin J. Beckmann
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Additional information

This paper was first written at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.

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Beckmann, M.J. On the equilibrium distribution of population in space. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 19, 81–90 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02477881

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02477881

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