The spatial structure commonly found in contemporary suburban or exurban developments in North America (and elsewhere) concerns the highway interchange as the leading structural influence on land uses with a gradient-like effect. Next to the interchange (highest accessibility and visibility), retailing activities, such as restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels can be found. Further are offices, manufacturing and warehousing activities, and, finally, residential areas (mostly single-family homes, but apartment buildings in areas of higher accessibility). This land-use pattern is dependent on road transportation, but some industrial activities could have rail connections.