Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
$50
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M
3
$
2
0
C
DEF K*
GH I J
S
1
S
2
$20
Figure 3.6
Isodapane analysis
location, will be the location of the firm. Moreover, even if we extend the
analysis to incorporate all logistics costs elements, the basic principles
remain the same. For simplicity, however, we will confine the analysis here
to the case of the Weber optimum. Our starting point now is therefore to
consider by how much factor prices will need to vary across space, rela-
tive to the Weber optimum
K
*, so as to encourage a firm to move away
from the Weber optimum to another location. In order to do this, it is first
necessary for us to construct a contour map on our Weber triangle, as
depicted in Figure 3.6, using contours known as
isodapanes
.
On a normal geographical map contours are the lines that link all the
locations with the same altitude. On the other hand, in a Weber model
analysis, each isodapane links all the locations which exhibit the same
increase in total input 1 output transport costs, per unit of output
m
3
produced, relative to the Weber optimum location at
K
*. As with con-
tours on a normal geographical map, isodapanes cannot cross each other.
Therefore, isodapanes at a greater distance from the Weber optimum
K
*
