Typology of Medium-Sized Cities in Spain Using PCA (Principal Component Analysis)

Abstract

[EN] This article analyses processes of change undergone by Spanish medium-sized cities during 1981–2011 on the one hand, and 2000–2018 on the other, as they are different sources. We established a classification to show the importance of this type of city starting from the hypothesis that the process is a generalised one in which they behave according to their position in the territory. The dynamics of change are predominantly associated with contexts of economic expansion. The typology was generated based on population and housing variables, which synthesise the role played by economic activity in each city. Additional methodologies were used: firstly, the bibliography on medium-sized cities in different social and cultural contexts was reviewed; secondly, statistical data were selected, compiled and processed using multivariant statistical analyses, and the results mapped. A study of 133 cities was carried out and absolute values and variation rates used to understand the processes of change. As a result, seven representative groups were obtained. The conclusions of the study can be corroborated by different sources.