Spatial structure and development of settlements in the Saint Petersburg agglomeration

This article explores the spatial structure and development of settlements comprising Saint Petersburg agglomeration. Previous studies database sources, which were never used before (the Federal Tax Service [FTS] SPARK-Interfax), are analysed to reveal factors in economic metropolitan areas as well understand how develop Russia’s second-largest city The borders composition agglomeration brought up date. Examining population size helps locate ‘growth belt’ Lists major enterprises region make it possible identify patterns study area. SPARK-Interfax aids clarifying relationships between elements (its core satellites) distribution revenues agents. Data on location largest retail stores — shopping malls hypermarkets main centres commerce A map chart has been drawn using 2GIS Yandex Maps geoinformation services. An important step analysis is identification residential hotspots. FTS data property tax base source relevant information. reports contain number buildings units covered by database. Further, statistics employed trace income job across current functions settlement have determined. According findings, three groups ‘backbone centres’. includes a core, growth area (‘growth belt’), commuting sources recipients,