An analysis of spatial structure of urban regional networks using GIS

Abstract

Road network is the foundation of the urbanization process. Initially, it represented an indispensable part not only for the very existence of cities but also for their further economic and social development. Gradually evolving over an extended period of time, networks acquire a certain pattern that can affect the functioning of the entire urban system. This article presents an analysis of the structural properties of the transportation networks across the thirteen large urbanized regions in the Czech Republic. Taking advantage of modern GIS technologies, we investigate the geometric and topological characteristics of road networks on detailed spatial data. The aim of this study is to analyse the qualities of transportation networks that arise from the interaction of their structural components. The results show that the properties of studied urban networks vary from region to region, however, we have determined some common patterns.