The Spatial Structure and Transportation

Six core concepts relates the spatial structure and transportation:

• Location implies the absolute location according to a system of reference (coordinate system) such as longitude and latitude. From location can be derived the notion of distance.
• Distance is a measure of the friction of space when a movement occurs and cannot be evaluated without at least two known locations. This friction can be expressed according to several measures such as length, time, cost, effort, energy or even the psychological perception of distance as a deterrent.
• Fixedness. Locations are fixed, since they obviously cannot move. This is linked with disparities, because economic, social and political conditions change in space and time whereas the geographical location remains the same.
• Attributes. All locations have different geographical attributes. These attributes are the set of specific characteristics that are proper to a location, notably its resources. Population can also be considered as a resource by its qualification and education levels and labor costs. The fact that different locations have different attributes is an important factor behind the generation and attraction of movements.
• Relativity. All locations are relative since they must be considered in a wider context. The importance of a location changes with regards to its importance relative to other locations and to the scale at which the comparison is made. The relative position changes in time and with the development of activities. A location is often located by drawing reference to another, notably within a local, regional or global context.
• Dynamics involves three major points. First, all changes at a location affect locations linked to it. Second, if a new link is created, the importance locations bound to this link will change. Third, whatever the nature of change, the effect will be positive or negative.

There are several attributes of the spatial structure that are bounded with transportation. For instance, location A has a set of spatial attributes such as its location, attributes (resources available) and fixedness which defines its geography. To interact with location B, the concepts of distance, relativity and scale are to be considered, as well as the spatial attributes of location B. In this case, the movement would occur at the regional scale and it is possible to directly connect A to B. In many cases, another geographical scale, or segments of it, can only be reached through intermediate locations. Any changes at location A will obviously influence location B and vice-versa.

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