PROGRESS IN GEOGRAPHY ›› 2016, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (3): 389-375.doi: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2016.03.013

• Articles • Previous Articles    

Scope, shape, and structural characteristics of traffic circles of equal travel time in Beijing

Zhuo CHEN1(), Fengjun JIN2   

  1. 1. Transportation Management College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, Liaoning, China
    2. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
  • Received:2015-10-01 Accepted:2016-01-01 Online:2016-03-25 Published:2016-03-25
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41171107

Abstract:

Traffic circles of different hierarchies and scopes are an important basis for the spatial organization of socioeconomic activities. With the integration of network analysis and cost-weighted distance analysis, a technical framework was designed for the quantitative identification of traffic circles. Taking commuting convenience as the primary factor, a classification of hierarchies within one hour traffic circles and a rail transportation service index were put forward. The hierarchical and structural characteristics of the one hour traffic circle of Beijing were analyzed with real-time data. Then, taking the coordination of economic activities as the primary factor, the zones inside the one day traffic circle of Beijing were divided on the basis of travel time and modes of transport. According to the spatial convergence effect of transportation infrastructure, traffic corridors were identified, and the spatial scope and economic foundation of traffic corridors inside the one day traffic circle of Beijing were analyzed with real-time data. The results indicate that the scope and shape of traffic circles of equal travel time in Beijing are greatly influenced by high-speed transportation infrastructure. These circles have significantly greater extension along high-speed transport infrastructure, and there are some “islands” on the fringe. Rail transportation provides little support within the one hour traffic circle and construction of rail transportation infrastructure in the key directions should be a priority in the future. With regard to the traffic corridors inside the one day traffic circle of Beijing, the Beijing-Tianjin corridor and Beijing-Tangshan corridor are important transport lines for the collaborative development of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province. The Beijing-Shijiazhuang corridor should become an important recipient area for industrial transfer of Beijing. The Beijing-Chengde corridor and Beijing-Zhangjiakou corridor are suitable for developing ecological or green economy.

Key words: traffic circle, scope, shape, structure, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region