What is distance decay?

Distance decay refers to the phenomenon where the interaction or relationship between two locations decreases as the distance between them increases. This concept is often used in geography, sociology, and economics to explain patterns of interaction, communication, and diffusion between different places.

The idea behind distance decay is that the farther two locations are from each other, the less likely it is for people, goods, or information to flow between them. This can be due to a variety of factors such as transportation costs, communication barriers, cultural differences, and logistical challenges. As a result, interactions between places tend to be more frequent and intense when they are close to each other and gradually diminish as the distance between them increases.

Distance decay can have important implications for urban planning, transportation infrastructure, economic development, and social connectivity. By understanding how distance affects interactions between different locations, policymakers and planners can better design efficient transportation networks, communication systems, and community spaces to help overcome the barriers imposed by distance decay.