Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models

This paper explores the urban-geographical potential of simulation approaches combining spatial and topological processes. Drawing on Vértes et al.'s (2012) economical clustering model, we propose a generative network model integrating factors captured in traditional spatial models (e.g., gravi...

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Main Authors: Liang Dai, Ben Derudder, Xingjian Liu, Lei Ye, Xuejun Duan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Société Royale Belge de Géographie and the Belgian National Committee of Geography 2016-03-01
Series:Belgeo
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.openedition.org/belgeo/17087
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author Liang Dai
Ben Derudder
Xingjian Liu
Lei Ye
Xuejun Duan
author_facet Liang Dai
Ben Derudder
Xingjian Liu
Lei Ye
Xuejun Duan
author_sort Liang Dai
collection DOAJ
description This paper explores the urban-geographical potential of simulation approaches combining spatial and topological processes. Drawing on Vértes et al.'s (2012) economical clustering model, we propose a generative network model integrating factors captured in traditional spatial models (e.g., gravity models) and more recently developed topological models (e.g., actor-oriented stochastic models) into a single framework. In our urban network-implementation of the generative network model, it is assumed that the emergence of inter-city linkages can be approximated through probabilistic processes that speak to a series of contradictory forces. Our exploratory study focuses on the outline of the infrastructure networks connecting prefecture-level cities in the highly urbanized Yangtze River Delta (China). Possible hampering factors in the emergence of these networks include distance and administrative boundaries, while stimulating factors include a measure of city size (population, gross domestic product) and a topological rule stating that the formation of connections between cities sharing nearest neighbors is more likely (i.e., a transitive effect). Based on our results, two wider implications of our research are discussed: (1) it confirms the potential of the proposed method in urban network simulation in that the inclusion of a topological factor alongside geographical factors generates an urban network that better approximates the observed network; (2) it allows exploring the differential extent to which driving forces influence the structure of different urban networks. For instance, in the Yangtze River Delta, transitivity plays a less important role in the Internet-network formation; GDP and boundaries more strongly affect the rail network; and distance decay effects play a more prominent role in the road network.
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publishDate 2016-03-01
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spelling doaj-art-3f4f09b02c3d40fc873d65127485ba802025-08-20T03:18:02ZengSociété Royale Belge de Géographie and the Belgian National Committee of GeographyBelgeo1377-23682294-91352016-03-01210.4000/belgeo.17087Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network modelsLiang DaiBen DerudderXingjian LiuLei YeXuejun DuanThis paper explores the urban-geographical potential of simulation approaches combining spatial and topological processes. Drawing on Vértes et al.'s (2012) economical clustering model, we propose a generative network model integrating factors captured in traditional spatial models (e.g., gravity models) and more recently developed topological models (e.g., actor-oriented stochastic models) into a single framework. In our urban network-implementation of the generative network model, it is assumed that the emergence of inter-city linkages can be approximated through probabilistic processes that speak to a series of contradictory forces. Our exploratory study focuses on the outline of the infrastructure networks connecting prefecture-level cities in the highly urbanized Yangtze River Delta (China). Possible hampering factors in the emergence of these networks include distance and administrative boundaries, while stimulating factors include a measure of city size (population, gross domestic product) and a topological rule stating that the formation of connections between cities sharing nearest neighbors is more likely (i.e., a transitive effect). Based on our results, two wider implications of our research are discussed: (1) it confirms the potential of the proposed method in urban network simulation in that the inclusion of a topological factor alongside geographical factors generates an urban network that better approximates the observed network; (2) it allows exploring the differential extent to which driving forces influence the structure of different urban networks. For instance, in the Yangtze River Delta, transitivity plays a less important role in the Internet-network formation; GDP and boundaries more strongly affect the rail network; and distance decay effects play a more prominent role in the road network.https://journals.openedition.org/belgeo/17087generative network modelinfrastructure networktransitivityYangtze River DeltaChina
spellingShingle Liang Dai
Ben Derudder
Xingjian Liu
Lei Ye
Xuejun Duan
Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
Belgeo
generative network model
infrastructure network
transitivity
Yangtze River Delta
China
title Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
title_full Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
title_fullStr Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
title_full_unstemmed Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
title_short Simulating infrastructure networks in the Yangtze River Delta (China) using generative urban network models
title_sort simulating infrastructure networks in the yangtze river delta china using generative urban network models
topic generative network model
infrastructure network
transitivity
Yangtze River Delta
China
url https://journals.openedition.org/belgeo/17087
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