Each pattern influences the other two. Pronounced geographic features of the community often determine where certain functions may be located. Main transportation routes, notably railroads, often follow the path with the least grade. Steep slopes or marshes may hinder construction. Economic and social patterns concern most people, who tend to live in neighborhoods with others similar to themselves.
Retailers locate in a commercial area where they can better serve their customers.
Manufacturers situate their plants where they can obtain the best overall advantages for transportation, raw materials and labor force. The governmental pattern, a quiltwork of conflicting and overlapping jurisdictions, establishes the framework for providing public services and facilities and land development regulations such as zoning, subdivision regulations and building codes. This structure, highly complex, includes cities, counties, special districts, and state and federal agencies. Such a pattern usually does not coincide with the realities of the economic and social community. Planning applies to situations that last over a period of time.