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Supply Chain Routing
AP Human Geography ยท Industrialization & Economic Development
Weber's Least Cost Theory

Alfred Weber theorized that industrial location is determined primarily by the desire to minimize transportation costs.

Bulk-Reducing (Weight-Losing)

Raw materials are heavier than the final product (e.g., Copper smelting, paper mills). Action: Locate factory near raw materials.

Bulk-Gaining (Weight-Gaining)

Final product is heavier/bulkier than raw materials (e.g., Beverage bottling, automobiles). Action: Locate factory near the market.

Tags
Human GeoEconomyWeberLogistics
Industrial Sandbox
Select a scenario below.

DRAG the Orange Factory around the map to calculate the total transportation cost. Find the optimal location to achieve the lowest possible cost.
Scenarios
Real-Time Cost Calculator
Cost = Distance (mi) ร— Weight (tons)
Inbound Cost (RM โž” Factory) $0
Outbound Cost (Factory โž” Market) $0
TOTAL COST $0
โœ… Optimal Location Reached!