Analiza skupień w badaniu struktury funkcjonalnej gmin
na przykładzie województwa lubuskiego
In theoretical and practical study of regional and local development considerable emphasis is placed on grass-root, local development factors. A particular role in this regard play communes, as subject of the study. This article presents review of selected concepts in commune classification and results of surveys carried out within this scope. The functional structure of communes was specified at the example of Lubuskie Voivodeship, i.e. according to economic role played by them. For that purpose one of cluster analysis method was applied – Ward’s method. The division for selected number of classes was subject to factual and statistical verification. The obtained results may serve as guidance in management of spatial development of the region.