The Historical Diversity of Poland's Urban Network. Cluster Analysis vs. Historical Regions.

Abstract

Abstract: The article presents an analysis of the urban network in Poland in 2010 based on the statistical method of hierarchical clustering with the aim of identifying historical regional networks of settlements. Mathematically derived clusters were compared with the historical borders of Poland. As a result of the study, regions were identified whose cluster shapes corresponded to the borders of historical provinces. While analysing Poland's historical divisions and its urban network, use was also made of the river network, demonstrating which rivers have played the role of a barrier or are a key determinant behind the development of regional settlement networks.