Abstract:
In any geography, it is observable that locations better connected to many other locations attract urban activities and therefore, are in relatively more advantageous positions than the less connected locations in the competition for growth. In that sense, a thorough analysis of the connectivity of different locations in a region will enable regional planners to evolve workable spatial strategies for the development of that region. This study explores this relationship between the trends of urban agglomeration and the pattern of connectivity of the urban centres in three districts of Sri Lanka; namely Galle, Kalutara and Rathnapura. The study was based on the node-axial diagrams derived from road maps of the regions, in which the axial nodes represent urban centres. The relative connectivity of the axial nodes was computed at 10c~1and global levels in terms of their accessibility from all other nodes in the area selected for the purpose. The prevailing states of urban agglomerations of the centres were evaluated in terms of the availability of urban facilities, commercial, trade and informal activities in those centres. The relative connectivity values were correlated with the urban agglomeration values to test the relationship between the two. The results indicate connectivity as one of the key factors that facilitates the urban agglomeration potentials ofa location.
