Modeling of the Greek road transportation network using complex network analysis

Abstract

This article studies the interregional Greek road network (GRN) by applying complex network analysis (CNA) and an empirical approach. The study aims to extract the socioeconomic information immanent to the GRN’s topology and to interpret the way in which this road network serves and promotes the regional development. The analysis shows that the topology of the GRN is submitted to spatial constraints, having latticelike characteristics. Also, the GRN’s structure is described by a gravity pattern, where places of higher population enjoy greater functionality, and its interpretation in regional terms illustrates the elementary pattern expressed by “regional development through road construction”. The study also reveals some interesting contradictions between the metropolitan and non-metropolitan (excluding Attica and Thessaloniki) comparison. Overall, the article highlights the effectiveness of using complex network analysis in the modeling of spatial networks and in particular of transportation systems and promotes the use of the network paradigm in the spatial and regional research.