This map created as part of the ESPON Project 3.2 Scenario is based on the computating of potential of population and potential of GDP at different scales (between 50 to 200 km). Because of the use of smoothing techniques, the effect of national and regional borders is removed and it is possible to locate of transnational peaks of demographic and economic concentration and to evaluate their potential impact on neighbouring territories.

 

• Territories in brown are characterised are by a higher population density and/or higher GDP per capita as compared with neighbouring territories compared to other regions located in a radius of approximately 100 to 400 kilometers. For example, a clear peak can be observed around Bucaresti, because the neighbouring regions of Romania and Bulgaria are characterised by a lower population density and a lower GDP per capita. By comparison, the peak of Praha is very weak because this metropolitan area is surrounded at medium distance by territories with a higher population density and/or a higher GDP per capita (Germany, Austria).
• Territories in green are characterised by a lower density and/or a lower GDP per capita as compared with neighbouring territories. More precisely, these territories are located in the influence area of the economic and demographic peaks defined previously. For example, the north-eastern part of France is not a region with low population density and low GDP per capita in absolute terms. But it is surrounded by the greatest concentration of wealthy population of European Union (Paris, London, Randstad, Ruhr …).
• Poles (in brown) are theoretically the most attractive territories under the assumption of competitiveness priority. But they can suffer from congestions and redistribute a part of their activity (production, residential …) to the neighbouring territories located in their influence area (in green).