A factorial ecology of Omaha: Using 1980 census data at block group scale

This thesis is an urban factorial ecology of the Omaha/Douglas County area. The ecological unit used in the analysis is the Census Block Group. As a result, the data used are based on a more homogeneous areal unit, and the regionalization constructed yields social areas which more accurately display residential differentiation. The input data consists of a matrix of 84 variables by 399 block groups. Through factor analysis, the matrix is reduced to a factor score profile matrix of 10 factors by 399 block groups. The first eight factors are interpreted into social dimensions. From this factor structure, a regionalization is constructed for the Omaha/Douglas County area, consisting of twenty-eight social areas. These social areas are further grouped into an ecological model consisting of five concentric zones and four radial sectors. The regionalization and model demonstrate a comparability in social dimensions and ecological structure between Omaha and other American cities. And, the social areas constructed are also comparable to the real residential districts of the Omaha/Douglas County area. In addition, the automation of this study demonstrates a promising application potential of factorial ecology in urban planning and marketing analysis