Dynamic Evolution Analysis of Complex Topology and Node Importance in Shenzhen Metro Network from 2004 to 2021

Abstract

With the prosperous development of the urban metro network, the characteristics of the topological structure and node importance are changing dynamically. Most studies focus on static comparisons, and dynamic evolution research is rarely conducted. It is necessary to track the dynamic evolution mechanism of the metro network from the perspective of development. In this paper, the Shenzhen Metro Network (SZMN) topology from 2004 to 2021 was first modeled in Space L. Five kinds of node centralities in eight periods were measured. Then, the dynamic evolution characteristics of the SZMN network topology and node centralities were compared. Finally, an improved multi-attribute decision-making method (MADM) was used to evaluate the node importance, and the spatiotemporal-evolution mechanism of the node importance was discussed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that, with the spatiotemporal evolution of the SZMN, the nodes became more and more intensive, and the network tended to be assortative. The different kinds of node centralities changed variously over time. Moreover, the node importance of the SZMN gradually dispersed from the core area of Chegongmiao–Futian to the direction of the Airport and Shenzhen North. The node importance evolves dynamically over time, and it is closely related to the changes in the node type, surrounding nodes and whole network environment. This study reveals the dynamic evolution mechanism of the complex topology and node importance in the SZMN, which can provide scientific suggestions and decision support for the planning, construction, operation management and resilient sustainable development of the urban metro.