A distance-based segregation index

Abstract A tool for measuring segregation in settlement patterns is introduced. This in an extension of the well-known Index of Dissimilarity. By incorporating locations of areal units into the measurement process directly, the distance-based approach substantially reduces the dependence upon size and number of data observations characteristic of the Index of Dissimilarity and other approaches. Experimental tests are reported. These suggest that the locational index constitutes an improvement and is applicable in comparative studies, either cross-sectional or longitudinal.