Time–space analysis of transport system using different mapping methods

Abstract

Transport systems exist within at least two types of space. One is the apparent geographic space, but equally important is the time–space implied by the travel time relations created by the system. Differences between the geographic and time–spaces are properties induced by the transport system. Methods for time–space transformations of geographic space to explore visualize and analyse transport systems were initially developed in the 1960s and 1970s but due to the low computational capacity not evolved yet. However, these methods have not been pursued beyond this initial flurry of research activity, most likely due to the difficulties associated with handling and processing huge amount of digital geographic data. This paper presents a case study of the transformation possibilities and particularly the usage of non-affine transformations of maps – Rubber-Sheet Method (RSM) – using a typical GIS software called ArcView in order to analyse the current status and development possibilities of the Hungarian railway system.

First Published Online: 09 May 2014