The origin of pre-chartered and chartered urban layouts in West Pomerania

Abstract

The spatial forms of Polish cities, including Pomeranian cities – just like all over the world – reflect man's activity on a certain territory affected by numerous internal and external factors, as well as the period of town's foundation and its duration. Taking into consideration European conditions, Poland is a relatively large country, therefore its geographical environment created a varied base for the location and layout of towns. Thus, particular regions of Poland were characterized by different types of economy, but also by different degree of openness to contacts with the outer world.