Coupled connectivity in the global complex network: the case of United Kingdom (1880–1925)

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyse the connectivity of cities in a coupled network composed of planar (railways) and non-planar (maritime) topologies. It examines the state of the network during the 1880–1925 period, namely in the context of the first globalization wave (1880–1914), when trade and urban development were closely tied to progress in communications systems and steam propulsion especially. Edges represent intercity physical infrastructure on land, and inter-port ship voyages at sea. We tested several hypotheses in terms of inter-network specialisation and urban hierarchies with an application in the United Kingdom. The main results reveal that the networks are highly interdependent, whereas combined centrality is closely associated with city size and urban growth. We discuss the key results in light of network science, spatial science, maritime history, and transport research.