Central Place Theory proposes that settlements will be organized in a hierarchy based on population size and the goods and services provided. Smaller settlements will be closer together and provide frequently needed low-order goods, while larger central places will be farther apart and provide less frequently needed higher-order goods. Central places are defined as settlements that provide goods and services to surrounding areas. The theory is based on assumptions of an isotropic landscape, even population distribution and economic behavior. It predicts regular spatial patterns in the number, size and spacing of central places.