Structural characteristics of cities as multifunctional centers.

Abstract

A functional classification of Soviet cities is proposed, using a set of 221 cities with 100,000 population or more in the 1970 census. Specialization is determined by employment in eight basic types of activities: industry, construction, transport, trade, health care, education and culture, science, administration. Three levels of specialization in each activity are distinguished in terms of the distance of activity linkages: local, regional and national levels. Cities with similar specialization structures are grouped, and their patterns of distribution are mapped and analyzed.