Geografie 1968, 73, 40-54
Tatra Kopřivnice - A Geography of Motor Works
The present geographical analysis deals with the plant "Tatra" in Kopřivnice - the second largest automobile factory in Czechoslovakia which produces motor - cars and lorries since 1897. Founded in 1851 as a manufactury for building carriages, Tatra had a great influence on the increase of population of Kopřivnice, just a small village in those times (Fig. 1). Even now the population of the town itself (7,216 in 1961) is outnumbered by the number of workers in the factory. Over 64 p.c. of the employees commute daily from more than 110 surrounding settlements (Plate I). The main location factors are shown in a historical survey. The position near the first trunk road Vienna-Ostrava-Cracow was an advantage. However the decisive reason for the localisation of Tatra - works in Kopřivnice was the traditional local working - power as a basis in the undermountain region. The comparative method shows such aspect as the importance of the factory, the development of its production, dependence on sources of materials, water and power, transport facilities, trade facilities, cooperation with side lines and other factories, and other local conditions that influenced the position of the plant (Fig. 2). Industrial areas, divided in built - up and non - built - up, are classified as lands 1. in use, 2. demanded, 3. abandoned, 4. in reserve (Fig. 3). In the industrial area of Kopřivnice attempt has been made to show the land use pattern especially that of industrial areas, from point of wiew of the geographical regional arrangement.
