Analysing the spatial configuration of urban bus networks based on the geospatial network analysis method

• Published in: Cities 2020-01, Vol.96, p.102406, Article 102406
• Main Authors: Wang, Yujing, Deng, Yi, Ren, Fu, Zhu, Ruoxin, Wang, Pei, Du, Tian, Du, Qingyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Geospatial network analysis; Heterogeneity; Imbalance; Infrastructure; Network analysis; Planners; Policy making; Spatial network; Suburban areas; Sustainable development; Urban areas; Urban bus network; Urban bus spatial network
• ISSN: 0264-2751; 1873-6084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2019.102406

In urban areas, the spatial configuration of urban elements is vital to the sustainable development of cities. Due to the inherent spatial and networked characteristics of UBNs, research on the spatial configuration of UBNs requires a comprehensive approach involving the integration of spatial and network analysis methods. We propose a methodological framework for geospatial network analysis that combines spatial and network analysis to analyse the spatial configuration of UBNs. This framework is based on the construction of an urban bus spatial network (UBSN) in which the network nodes are spatial division units of urban space with more realistic geographical significance. Then, the framework analyses the spatial configuration of the UBN from the identification of macroscopic statistical characteristics to reveal the explicit roles played by microscopic elements such as individual nodes and to further identify the mesoscopic structural organization. The importance of nodes has spatial heterogeneity and directional imbalance. The community detection results demonstrate the UBSN presents obvious spatial agglomeration features, and the overlapping nodes are mostly distributed in the suburbs. With a novel viewpoint and detailed description of the spatial configuration of UBNs, this study provides meaningful insights for policy makers and planners seeking to optimize traffic infrastructure planning. •Proposing a methodological framework of geospatial network analysis to analyse the spatial configuration of UBNs•The role or importance of nodes has spatial heterogeneity and directional imbalance•Both disjoint and overlapping community structures are detected to reflect the hidden spatial clustering•Presenting a construction method for geospatial networks based on spatial division units