Distribution of Data - Spatial Mathematics: Theory and Practice through Mapping - page 184

Figure 8.6 Mean center of population for the 10 most populous cities, 100 through
2000. Source of base map: Esri software.
The mean weighted center for the 10 most populous cities has moved
counterclockwise over the past 2000 years, starting in Iran and landing
in Eritrea. Describe and explain the direction and amount of movement of
the mean center for each time period indicated. The mean center runs in
a counterclockwise motion, heading east from the Middle East into central
Asia, and then northwest to western Europe by 1900, and then heading
south and east again to today. Why do you think the mean population
center was off the coast of western Europe in 1900? There are many rea-
sons, but foremost is the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the resulting
urbanization of western and central Europe, with cities such as Manchester,
London, Paris, and Berlin all dramatically increasing in size. Also, the rise
of cities in North America such as New York City and Chicago also pulled
the mean center towards the west. Examine the tables of data. What were
the populations of the largest cities in 1900 and where were they located?
In 1900, the largest cities were London, New York City, Paris, and Berlin, in
that order. Predict where the mean center will be by 2050 given the data at
your fingertips, including the growth rate by country and other variables.
Many scenarios are possible, but given the current high growth trends of
several countries in Africa and the Middle East, the mean center could be
offshore, south of Iran perhaps, reflecting the high populations of India and
also of central African countries such as Uganda, and also the continuing