The hinterland spatial structure evolvement of competitive port based on ArcGIS

Abstract

Contention for hinterland is the main component of port competition. To competitive ports in the same port cluster, study of hinterland is more important. By using breakpoint model and Huff model with ArcGIS tools, the article is carried on research of hinterland areas changing between ports of Shanghai and Ningbo. The research has shown that hinterland areas of Ningbo port was gradually expanding, while less hinterland cities were selecting Shanghai port from 1990. Soft power of a port is becoming an essence attracting hinterland cities. The improvement of traffic accessibility and the decline of distance impedance coefficient between ports and hinterland cities will bring positive effects to dominant ports. In order to adopt targeted strategy and seize competitive advantage, ports are positive to define competitive front-hinterland cities in spatial structure evolvement.