Distribuição espacial do comércio varejista e dos serviços em Petrópolis-RJ à luz da análise de redes espaciais

Abstract

This doctoral thesis addresses the spatial distribution of retail trade and services in Petrópolis (RJ) from an innovative perspective, utilizing spatial network analysis to understand locational dynamics in a territory marked by unique geographical and historical characteristics. Based on the Multiple Centrality Assessment (MCA) framework, the research evaluates accessibility indices such as closeness, betweenness, straightness, and gravity, with the aim of identifying how the configuration of the street network influences the location of economic activities and their potential interaction with the customers. The thesis demonstrates that the distribution of firms is not random, but responds to factors such as street accessibility, topographical characteristics, and interaction between different types of economic activities. Using cadastral data from businesses and spatial models operated within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study provides a detailed analysis of the city's street network, correlating it with the distribution of retail and services. The research also examines the spatial association between economic activities, highlighting how interaction between sectors can generate both agglomerations and spatial isolation. The thesis combines GIS tools, statistics, and theoretical approaches, resulting in an analysis that goes beyond traditional locational analysis methods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding urban space as a complex network, where streets, blocks, and specific points interact to shape patterns of land use. The findings highlight the need for public policies that promote balanced development of trade and services, considering not only accessibility but also the interaction between sectors and local market demands. The thesis makes a significant contribution to geographical science, expanding the possibilities for applying MCA in urban contexts and reaffirming the relevance of locational analysis for city planning.