Comparative analysis of models of location and spatial interaction

The transformations of urban and regional systems are the result of complex interactions between the physical environment and socio-economic environment differentiated in space and time. These systems are very complex and make it difficult to understand the phenomena of urban and territorial transformation and their causes; therefore it is necessary to reduce their complexity to make it easier to effect analyses, forecasting, optimization and control of these local systems. In order to simplify reality it is necessary to present models that represent all the most significant factors that allow an understanding of the systems studied. This work is focused on the comparative analysis of the various gravity models applied. Localization models of activity (Hansen, Lakshmanan), and spatial interaction models (Lowry and Lowry-Garin). Finally, we propose a model for the optimal location of a large shopping center in the province of Taranto. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.