GEOG 80 Transport Geography
Professor: Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Topic 1 – Transportation and
Geography
A. What is Transport Geography?
B. Transportation and Space
C. The Geography of Transportation
Networks
Hofstra University, Department of Global Studies & Geography
C – THE GEOGRAPHY OF
TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS
1. Transport Networks
2. The Topology and Typology of Networks
3. Networks and Space
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
1. Transport Networks
■ Transport network
• Framework of routes between locations:
• A permanent track (e.g. roads, rail and canals).
• A scheduled service (e.g. airline, public transit, train).
• Various types of links between points along which movement can
take place.
• Creates accessibility.
■ Network structure
•
•
•
•
Ranges from centripetal to centrifugal.
Express inequalities between places.
Express transport rates.
Integration processes impacted on the structure and flows of
transportation networks.
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Centrifugal and Centripetal Networks
Centrifugal
Centripetal
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Transport Hub
Point-to-Point
Hub-and-Spoke
Hub
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Detour Level in a Hub-and-Spoke Network
A
1
D
B
C
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Cost, Revenue and Level of Network Coverage
A
4
5
3
7
Cost: 10
10 Revenue: 15
Benefit: 5
B
Cost: 12
Revenue: 18
Benefit: 6
C
Cost: 14
Revenue: 25
Benefit: 11
D
Cost: 19
Revenue: 29
Benefit: 10
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Impacts of Integration Processes on Networks
and Flows
Before Integration
After Integration
Flows
Network
International border
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
2. The Topology and Typology of Networks
Linear
■ Topology
• The arrangement and
connectivity of a network.
• Each network has a
specific topology
■ Linear networks:
Tree
• Only one link between each
node pairs.
• Each node has a maximum
of two links.
■ Tree networks:
• Converging to one node
from a hierarchy of other
nodes.
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
2. The Topology and Typology of Networks
Mesh
■ Mesh networks:
• At least two nodes with two
or more links between
them.
■ Hub-and-spoke networks:
Hub-and-Spoke
• Peripheral nodes (spokes)
are connected to a central
node; the hub.
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Network Strategies to Service a Set of Locations
A
B
C
D
E
F
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Mode of Territorial Occupation by Transport
Networks
Clearly Defined
Rail
Overlap
Vaguely Defined
Air corridor
Road
Cellular coverage
Without Definition
Reserved space for transport
infrastructure.
Ownership clearly established.
Road, canal and railway
networks.
Shared space.
Not the object of any particular
ownership, only rights of way.
Air and maritime transportation
networks.
Space has no tangible meaning,
except for as a distance.
Little control and ownership.
Common usage agreements.
Radio, television and cellular
networks.
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
3. Networks and Space
■ Shaping accessibility
Transport Network
Space
Accessibility
• The territory is a topological
space having two or three
dimensions, depending on
the transport mode
considered.
• Flows and infrastructures
are linear; having one
dimension.
• Accessibility is the
transposition of a network
over space.
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Absolute and Relative Distance in a Network
10 km
30 minutes
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Spatial Continuity by Transportation Mode
Ubiquity
Fractionalization
Instantaneity
Automobile
High (road coverage
the most extensive)
None (1 passenger = 1
movement)
High (available on
demand)
Transit
Average (within
metropolitan areas)
Average (bus loads or
train loads)
Average to high (fixed
high frequency
schedules)
Air transport
Limited to airports
(common)
Average (plane loads from Average (fixed
50 to 500 passengers)
schedules and
connections)
Maritime
Limited to ports (rare)
High (ship loads,
reinforced by economies
of scale)
Rail
Limited to rail terminals Average (train loads)
(common)
Average (fixed
schedule)
Pipeline
Limited to network
High (continuous flow)
Low (continuous flow)
Low (fixed schedules
and connections)
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Networks and Spatial Continuity
A
B
C
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Networks as Tools of Spatial Cohesion (Control)
Period
Emerging Network
Outcome
Pre-colonial
Fluvial, coastal and road
Empire building
Colonial Era
Maritime
Trade, exploitation and political
control
19th Century
Canal and rail
Nation building, commerce and
political control
20th Century
Highways and air
National and transnational
integration
21st Century
Telecommunication
Global supply chains
© Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue