Spatial Science Commons^™

Geographic Potential Surfaces, Michael Munson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The attempt is made to trace the development of the surface potential with particular reference to the social sciences, especially geography. The geographic potential is derived from Newton's law, F = GMm/d" and is mathematically expressed and explained. The formula for the ,r potential at a single point or area, j, is ;~1(P;•P)" / d;;"'• Minnesota population potential for 1960 and 1930, and 1960 Minnesota income potentials have been calculated and mopped. The Twin Cities possess the peak potential for all three variables. Of prime importance to the understanding of geographic potentials is a knowledge of the underlying assumptions and …