TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS
- Framework of routes between locations:
Network structure ranges from centrifugal to centripetal in terms of the accessibility they
provide to locations. These effects depend on the structure of the network and its relationship
with the distribution of origins and destinations.
Centripetal networks have a strong centrality where one or several nodes are much
more connected that the others. They typically have a radial pattern.
NETWORK STRUCTURES
CENTRALIZED
DECENTRALIZED
DISTRIBUTED
Transportation network are designed to offer a level of service which is related to their
structure. Conceptually, three basic network structures can be designed to link the same
locations:
Centralized. One center has privileged accessibility and thus represents the dominant
element of the network and the spatial structure it supports.
Decentralized. Although the center is still the point of highest accessibility, the network
is structured so that sub-centers have also significant levels of accessibility.
Distributed. No center has a level of accessibility significantly different from the others.
TRANSPORT HUB
Flows
Network
Before Integration
Transport networks reflect the political context, namely the capacity to trade. Prior to an
economic integration process (such as a free trade agreement) networks tended to service their
respective national economies with flows representing this structure (limited crossborder flows).
TOPOLOGY
The arrangement and connectivity of a network.
TOPOLOGY OF A NETWORK
Network topology looks at the arrangement of nodes and links, particularly their locations
and the nature of their connections. Network connectivity involves a specific configuration of
links and nodes. Links indicate which nodes are linked and how they are linked, namely with a
directional attribute. Nodes indicate how it is possible to access connected links, namely as a
link being an entry and/or an exit to the node.
Depending upon the arrangement of nodes and links, a specific network topology is created:
Mesh networks. Networks where there are at least two nodes with two or more links
between them.
Hub-and-spoke networks. Networks where peripheral nodes are connected to a central
node; the hub.
Linear networks. Networks where there is only one link between each node pairs and
where each nodes has a maximum of two links.
Tree networks. Networks that are converging to one node from a hierarchy of other
nodes.
Minimum construction costs network (A). Network where all locations are linked
through a single route.
Minimum accessibility network (B). Network where all locations are linked and have
the same accessibility.
Nodal network (C). One location is better connected and becomes the most accessible.
Maximum accessibility network (D). Every location is directly linked to all others, but
the construction costs are high (maximum construction costs network).
Minimal length network (E) where the summation of the links are minimal. Depending
on the configuration of nodes the minimal length network could be the same than the
minimum construction costs network.
Traveling salesperson network (F). It provides minimal distance for a route between all
locations. Also known as the traveling salesperson network.
CLEARLY DEFINED
VAGUELY DEFINED
WITHOUT DEFINITION
The purpose of a transportation network is to confer a level of spatial continuity and thus
link locations. Networks A and B are servicing the same territory, but both have a level of
discontinuity (especially network A). If a transfer between those two networks is possible then
their combination (network C) increases the level of spatial continuity. If networks A and B
concern different modes, then the spatial continuity is provided by intermodal nodes. If
networks A and B involve the same mode, then the spatial continuity is provided
by transmodal nodes.
The above network represents the same topology but with different distance
measurement units between nodes. In an absolute context, distance in a network is a
fixed attribute that does not change. For instance, the straight distance between New
York and Boston is about 310 km. The location of the nodes of such a network is also
absolute and fixed. In a relative context, distance is a variable attribute that depends on
numerous factors, such as the mode being used, its efficiency, regulations (e.g. speed
limits) and congestion. Under such circumstances, some nodes of the network are
"closer" when that are considered from a relative distance perspective instead of an
absolute distance.