本文旨在探討日治時期高雄市區域發展與高雄港口貿易機能的關係，全文透過地理學觀點，佐以相關文獻、地圖、及田野調查等，運用電腦製圖、地圖化分析法、統計分析法等研究方法，具體呈現港口貿易機能對高雄市區域發展的重大衝擊和改變，研究結束顯示：三次築港工程活絡了港口貿易機能，帶動港埠的磁吸效應，吸引工廠會社的進駐，促使大量外來人口湧入港區，造成港區域快速發展，形成成長極中心地區，經由極化和潤下效應，區域發展不斷向外中心地區擴散，市轄區範圍也隨之擴大，最後形成今日的高雄市；所以港口貿易機能對高雄市區域發展有決定性的影響。

This study discusses the relationship between the trade functions of Kaohsiung Harbor and the development of Kaohsiung City during the Japanese colonial period. This study presents the main impacts of the trade functions of the port and their changes on the development of Kaohsiung City from a geographical perspective, supported by relevant references, maps, field investigations etc.,and analyzed using computer graphics, map analysis, and statistical analysis. This study reveals that
the three phases of port construction in Kaohsiung significantly improved the trade functions of Kaohsiung Harbor, creating a magnet effect that attracted the establishment of factories and companies. Waves of immigrants moved into the city, stimulating the rapid development of the
harbor district, where the growth pole was centered. Through the polarized and trickle down effects,regional development spread from the center to the suburban areas, and the jurisdiction of the city government expanded to include the current Kaohsiung City. The trade functions of Kaohsiung Harbor thus decisively impacted the development of Kaohsiung City.