SOME QUESTIONS OF DEMARCATION OF AGGLOMERATIONS IN HUNGARY, IN THE CASE OF GYŐR

Abstract

The agglomeration is a key factor of the spatial processes in Hungary, but classical „western” methods of demarcation of agglomeration are not suitable in the case of Hungarian regional centers because of some geographical specialities of these cities. Our research aims to highlight some of these contradictions and to examine the geographical suitability of the new LAU1 system (járás) as funtcional urban zones. By our hypothesis the newly designed Győr District better covering the agglomeration than the previous one.

First, we examined five previous demarcations of agglomeration of Győr. 21 villages ranked by each, but there are wide range of uncertain settlements. The reasons for inconsistencies are that these settlements particularly closely linked to the city but they are not suburban communities, too inflexible administrative boundaries and the different methodologies of examines. We assessed hegemonic catchment area with gravity model analysis, which was confirmed by interviews with leaders of local governments. The scope of settlements related intense to agglomeration described by evaluation of statistical analysis of 11 selected dataline of 2011 census.

According to our results, most of uncertain settlements are related to the urban zone, but countless rural corridors and zones are wedged between dynamic villages. Thus, the urban area made up of 38 communities, two towns and Győr. In our opinion, the expansion of Győri Járás was justified and even further it should be expanded with seven village and Bábolna town. This greater LAU1 district could be the base of an institutionalizing agglomeration.