Pole and micropoles regional network in Santa Catarina’s west region

Abstract

This article discusses the role that Chapecó plays in Santa Catarina’s west region is urban networks and also intends to determine the micropoles associated to this city, in order to subsidize debates about territorial planning and management. First, the article presents a theoretical discussion on the following concepts: region, poles, medium size cities and urban networks. After that, there is a characterization of Chapecó along with Santa Catarina’s west region territorial conformation process. Then, the article presents an analysis of Santa Catarina’s west region urban net, based on the IBGE studies on the influence regions of cities. This article concludes that Chapecó has an important regional influence because of its tertiary sector especially on that commercial activities. On the other hand, Chapecó has to strengthen it territorial management features. Also, it is articulated to other ones such as São Miguel do Oeste, Concórdia, Xanxerê, Pinhalzinho e Maravilha, all of then considered as micropoles.