A spatial signature of sprawl: or the proportion and distribution of linear networkcircuits

Dalton, Ruth and Dalton, Nick (2005) A spatial signature of sprawl: or the proportion and distribution of linear networkcircuits. In: GeoComputation 2005, 31 July - 5 August 2005, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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Abstract

This paper sets out to investigate whether the frequency distribution ofthe linear network circuits within a graph-based representation of aroad transportation system can be helpful in identifying sprawl and, inparticular, whether a 'spatial signature of sprawl' can be determined.This paper is based upon an earlier study on Peachtree City, Georgia and in particular of its dual transportation system (roads and golf cartpaths). In order to fully understand the effect that the dualtransportation system has upon Peachtree City, the frequencydistribution of its circuits are compared to three, supposed, 'suburban' areas and three, supposed, 'urban' districts. The conclusion of thispaper is that there is, unquestionably, a measurable continuum between 'suburbia' and 'urbanity' and that this is reflected in the frequency,length and distribution of the graph network circuits. The main sectionof this paper is concerned with the presentation and discussion ofalternative algorithms for calculating these circuits. This section isfollowed by an introduction of a selection of methods for interpretingthe resultant data. Finally, with respect to Peachtree City, this paperconcludes that the effect of the dual transportation system is to make it more 'urban' than it would otherwise be, although it remains adistinctly suburban environment.

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