CRUDE INFERENCES ON SPATIAL CONSUMER BEHAVIOR

Multiple center population density gradients derived within a theoretical framework permit substantive interpretation of the parameters. Estimated parameters for metropolitan Toronto and southern Ontario are interpreted as travel frequencies to centers of different orders. At the intraurban level different assumptions about prevailing trip patterns and purchase frequencies imply different relative travel frequencies. This permits inferences about spatial consumer behavior. In Toronto these inferences suggest that significant factors have been neglected. One factor may be the influence of centers upon residential attractiveness. At the interurban level population distribution is affected by travel behavior. This permits inferences about the structure of travel frequencies. In southern Ontario these inferences have been supported.