Metropolization of Regional Capitals of the Central Chernozem Region in the Transformation of Population Distribution

Abstract

Purpose: determination of the role of the metropolises of the regional capitals of the Central Chernozem Region in the transformation of population settlement. The information base was the materials of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the territorial bodies of the federal state statistics service of the Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Tambov regions. Methods. The solution of the main tasks of the work was achieved by using methods of spatiotemporal and system analyses, statistical, modeling, geoinformation mapping (ArcGIS), which made it possible to clearly represent the timeframe of processes and occurrence, to display the attractive force of regional metropolises in the distribution of population. Results. Natural changes in the development of settlement caused by the processes of urbanization, metropolization of the regions of the Central Chernozem Region have been revealed. The peculiarities of the formation of regional metropolises have been established; the scope and trends of population placement at different territorial levels have been identified. A model study of population placement was tested, the potential of the settlement field of the Belgorod region was mapped. Using the rang and size principle in the study will allow management institutions of different hierarchical levels to see and solve acute problems of resettlement.