Abstract:

Based on the theoretical framework of regional transport geography, watershed transport geography focuses on the research of transport organization and its development using watershed or part of a watershed as research area. This article reviewed pertinent literature of watershed transport geography from three aspects: transport network, transport connection, and regional effect. 1) Related work of transport network mainly focuses on the level and pattern of comprehensive transport development, network connection characteristics and accessibility, as well as the spatial structure and supply chain of the port system. Multimodal transport is becoming a new hotspot in the study of watershed transport geography. 2) Transport connection studies focus on traffic flow and the pattern of connection between passenger and cargo transport. The research focus of watershed logistics geography is shifting from logistics industry layout and enterprise location to logistics network and spatial organization, logistics supply chain. 3) Regional effects are biased towards economic growth effects, with less attention on resource, environmental, and ecological effects. Based on the research focus of watershed transport geography while taking current research progress and basin development needs into consideration, we suggest that watershed transport geography should put emphasis on the development of basin port system and water transport. It is necessary not only to pay close attention to the construction of integrated transport networks, organizations, and multimodal transport, but also to explore the association between watershed transports at different levels of the hierarchy. At the same time, research on the natural resources and environment effects of watershed transport should also be emphasized.

Key words: watershed transport geography, regional transport geography, transport network, transport connection, regional effect