Urbanisation Processes

I will discuss this according to the Urban Process Timeline, so that it is orderly. The timeline is as follows:

1. Agglomeration
2. Suburbanisation
3. Commuting
4. Urban regeneration
5. Counter-urbanisation
6. Urban re-imaging
7. Urbanisation of suburbs

Urbanisation: Process of change that converts rural areas, regions and countries into urban ones. It is also the growth of towns and cities which leads to an increasing percentage of a country's population living in urban settlements. 

1. Agglomeration: This is how urban settlements first appear. It is the concentration of people and economic activities at favourable locations. E.g. at river crossing points so there is a supply of water, near a mineral resource such as coal, iron or oil. Long ago, defence was important so people were able to protect themselves. E.g. hilltops made good defensive sites, there were good views but it was hard to reach, and would not be sheltered from strong winds. 

2. Suburbanisation: Definition: The outward spread of the urban area, often at lower densities compared with the older parts of a town or city. 

• As towns grow, they expand outwards through suburbanisation. 
• Adds to built-up area, but building densities lower than in older parts of town. 

3. Commuting: People start to move out of the town/city to live in smaller more rural areas. These are often called dormitory settlements because many new residents only sleep there. They commute to work and still make use of urban service like shops and hospitals. Commuting definition: Travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis. 

4. Urban regeneration: involves re-using areas in old parts of the city where businesses and people have moved out into the suburbs or beyond. (Expanded upon in another post 'Urban regeneration and re-imaging)

5. Counter-urbanisation: the movement of people and businesses (employment) from major cities to smaller towns/cities and rural areas. 

6. Urban re-imaging: changing the image and look of an area to attract people.  (Expanded upon in another post 'Urban regeneration and re-imaging)

7. Urbanisation of suburbs: suburbs are generally areas of low-density development, so instead of using rural areas governments want to use suburban areas--suburban areas become more dense, raised to an urban level--. Empty spaces are being developed and large detached houses are replaced by flats. The suburbs are no longer just residential areas anymore, shops and other services start to locate there too.

If you need further details/clarification, just comment and let me know. :)