Metropolitan polynodal cores as the basis of the new regional organization of Czechia

Abstract

Theoretical research on geographical organization is, in Czechia, mainly associated with Martin Hampl (1940−2022). This paper refers to his extraordinary work. In this article, integrated systems of centers are first defined by two methods: by applying M. Hampl’s method and by using the new criterion of reciprocal mobility. Subsequently, both delimitations are compared, and a typology of these systems is made. Next, the commuting microregions of the integrated systems of centers are created on the basis of commuting patterns from municipalities. The regionalization performed is then a tool to verify the concordance of the regional organization determined by the polynodal cores and given by the Hampl’s mononodal microregional centers. We assume that in reality a more valid regional system will have greater regional integrity of the defined regions and its hierarchization will be more consistent with the theoretical assumptions of the rank size rule. We view the resulting findings both as a stimulus for discussing the methodology for delineating integrated system of centers and as a basis for comparing the expected results of the current national census of 2021.