Functional Analysis - Advantages and Limitations

As an appropriate tool to conceptualise this general framework, the functional analysis provides planners with answers to the following questions: Ideal for classifying the settlement pattern according to functions, for example in rural centres, intermediate and regional centres according to agglomeration economies Assists in determining whether settlements in the region are equipped with adequate functions which may only need limited investments to maintain their current advantages. Determines settlements that are functionally deficient or those that could even serve a larger hinterland than is currently the case. Depicts which settlements offer the best potential to be upgraded in order to promote future economic development. Highlights settlements that are below the standard level of service and should therefore be designated as remote centres. Is useful for assessing settlements that fulfil the threshold values needed to support services and facilities.

The settlement pattern assumes that the area being planned is on a “plain”. In other words, varying geographical conditions such as mountains and hills are not necessarily reflected in the functional analysis. The analysis merely concentrates on accessibility of functions to the general public and the tool has to be used in conjunction with other related methods and tools (e.g. spatial diagram). The assumption is that all functions receive the same weight limits the functional analysis. The different importance of the functions are not reflected