Abstract
As an important branch of human geography, transportation geography has experienced three periods of evolution: foundation, systematization, and rapid development of the discipline. It has gradually become a relatively mature discipline. During the period 1930–1980, the development of transportation geography consisted mainly of the publication of theoretical texts. During 1980–2000, it gradually became a systematic discipline. Since the start of the 21st century, transportation geography has focused mainly on exploring the impacts of transportation on socio-economic development. Currently, studies on transportation geography have led to significant developments in a number of areas, including transportation theory, facility distribution and planning, transportation flows and network analysis, evaluation of transport modes, transportation planning, and simulation and assessment of urban transportation. Such studies have also enriched human geography research, provided a wider geographical overview and elucidated the development mechanism of transportation, as well as helped to understand the impacts of transport development on socio-economic systems. Some findings obtained by geographers have been widely used in transportation geography and related fields, including the four basic laws of transportation generation, the hub–spoke mode of transport organization, the subordinating and guiding functions of transportation on socio-economic development, regional transport dominance measures, accessibility measures, and spatial organization of port systems.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cao Xiaoshu, Xue Desheng, Yan Xiaopei, 2005. A study on the urban accessibility of the national trunk highway system in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 60(6): 903–910. (in Chinese)
Cao Xiaoshu, Yan Xiaopei, 2006. Spatial Evolution of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Transport Corridor. Beijing: The Commercial Press. (in Chinese)
Cao Youhui, 1999. On the spatial structure of the Changjiang River port system. Acta Geographica Sinica, 54(3): 233–240. (in Chinese)
Cao Youhui, Cao Weidong, Jin Shisheng et al., 2003. The evolution mechanism of the coastal container port system of China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 58(3): 424–432. (in Chinese)
Cao Youhui, Li Haijian, Chen Wen, 2004. The spatial structure and competition pattern of the container port system of China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 59(6): 1020–1027. (in Chinese)
Chen Hang, 1984. The economic geographic basis of seaport development and distribution. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 4(2): 125–131. (in Chinese)
Chen Hang, 1991. Preliminary studies of areal combination and division of ports in the coastline area. Acta Geographica Sinica, 46(4): 480–487. (in Chinese)
Chen Hang, 1996. On the formation and evolution of seaport regional complexes. Acta Geographica Sinica, 51(6): 501–507. (in Chinese)
Chen Hang, Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun, 1993. Transportation Geography of China. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Chen Hang, Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun et al., 2000. Transportation Geography of China. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Dai Teqi, Zhang Yuhan, Wang Jiaoe et al., 2014. Population coverage evaluation of civil airports in China based on optimization models. Geographical Research, 33(4): 710–720. (in Chinese)
Geng Dading, Chen Chuankang, Yang Wuyang et al., 1978. On the highway natural regionalization of China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 33(1): 49–62. (in Chinese)
Giuliano G, 2001. Transportation geography. International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, 10(4): 15866–15873.
Givoni M, 2015. Transport and transportation geography in Israel: In-between “local” and “international”. Journal of Transport Geography, 49: 112–113.
Hall D, 2010. Transportation geography and new European realities: A critique. Journal of Transport Geography, 18: 1–13.
Han Zenglin, An Xupeng, Wang Li et al., 2008. Distribution and optimization of the container transportation network in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 57(4): 479–488. (in Chinese)
Huang Shengzhang, 1957. The development of transport in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. Acta Geographica Sinica, 23(4): 419–435. (in Chinese)
Jiang Haibing, Xu Jiangang, Qi Yi, 2010. The influence of the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway on land accessibility of regional center cities. Acta Geographica Sinica, 65(10): 1287–1298. (in Chinese)
Jiao J, Wang J, Jin F et al., 2014. Impacts on accessibility of China’s present and future HSR network. Journal of Transport Geography, 40: 123–132.
Jiao Jingjuan, Wang Jiaoe, Jin Fengjun et al., 2016. Impact of high-speed rail on an inter-city network based on the passenger train network in China, 2003–2013. Acta Geographica Sinica, 71(2): 265–280. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, 2001. A study on the network of domestic air passenger flow in China. Geographical Research, 20(1): 31–39. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, 2004. Infrastructure system and regional development. China Population, Resources and Environment, 14(4): 70–74. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, 2013. Infrastructure System and Socio-economic Spatial Organization. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, Wang Chengjin, 2005. Hub and spoke system and organization of the China aviation network. Geographical Research, 24(5): 774–784. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, Wang Chengjin, Li Xiuwei, 2008. Discrimination method and its application to analysis of regional transport superiority. Acta Geographica Sinica, 63(8): 787–798. (in Chinese)
Jin Fengjun, Wang Chengjin, Li Xiuwei et al., 2010. China’s regional transport dominance: Density, proximity, and accessibility. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 20(2): 295–309.
Jin F, Wang F, Liu Y, 2004. Geographic patterns of air passenger transport in China: 1990–1998: Imprints of economic growth regional inequality and network development. The Professional Geographer, 56(4): 471–487.
Jin Fengjun, Wang Jiaoe, 2004. Railway network expansion and spatial accessibility analysis in China: 1906–2000. Acta Geographica Sinica, 59(2): 293–302. (in Chinese)
Keeling D J, 2015. Transportation geography in Peru. Journal of Transport Geography, 46: 253–255.
Koichi T, 2014. Transport geography in Japan. Journal of Transport Geography, 34: 305–306.
Liu Chengliang, Xu Ruilin, Xiong Jianping et al., 2009. Spatial accessibility of the road network in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area. Acta Geographica Sinica, 64(12): 1488–1498. (in Chinese)
Mo Huihui, Wang Jiaoe, 2012. Complex Transport Network: Structure, Progress and Mechanism. Beijing: Economy and Management Publishing House. (in Chinese)
Okada H, 1994. Features and economic and social effects of the Shinkansen. Japan Railway and Transport Review, 33: 9–16.
Rong Chaohe, 1995. A macro effect of transportation on changes in economic spatial structure. Acta Geographica Sinica, 50(5): 394–401. (in Chinese)
Shen Yuchang, 1952. The terrain and transport construction between Sichuan and Guizhou. Acta Geographica Sinica, 18(3/4): 136–147. (in Chinese)
Sheng Xugong, 1931. Transportation Geography. Beijing: China Commerce and Trade Press. (in Chinese)
Taaffe E J, Gauthier H L, 1994. Transportation geography and geographic thought in the United States: An overview. Journal of Transport Geography, 2(3): 155–168.
Wang Boli, Zhang Xiaolei, 2010. The contribution of highway traffic infrastructure construction to economic growth in Xinjiang based on I-O and ESDA. Acta Geographica Sinica, 65(12): 1522–1533. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, 2007. Evolution and mechanism of development of the port distribution system in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 62(8): 809–820. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, 2008. Spatial organization networks of world marine container transportation. Geographical Research, 27(3): 636–648. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, Ding Jinxue, Yang Wei, 2011. Policy and spatial effect of an expressway planning network in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 66(8): 1076–1088. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, 2012. Evolution and Mechanism of Development of a Container Port System. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, 2014. Spatial Organization Mode and Mechanism of Logistic Enterprises. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Wang Chengjin, Wang Wei, Zhang Mengtian et al., 2014. Evolution, accessibility of road networks in China and dynamics: from a long perspective. Acta Geographica Sinica, 69(10): 1496–1509. (in Chinese)
Wang Derong, Cai Bencheng, 1986. China Transportation Distribution. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Wang Jiaoe, Jiao Jingjuan, Du Chao et al., 2015. Competition of spatial service hinterlands between high-speed rail and air transport in China: Present and future trends. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 25(9): 1137–1152.
Wang Jiaoe, Jin Fengjun, 2005. Railway network organization and spatial service system optimization in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 60(3): 371–380. (in Chinese)
Wang Jiaoe, Jin Fengjun, Sun Wei et al., 2006. Research on the spatial distribution and service level of the Chinese airport system. Acta Geographica Sinica, 61(8): 829–838. (in Chinese)
Wang J, Jin F, 2007. China’s air passenger transport: An analysis of recent trends. Eurasian Geography and Economics, 48: 469–480.
Wang J, Jin F, Mo H et al., 2009a. Spatiotemporal evolution of China’s railway network in the 20th century: An accessibility approach. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 43(8): 765–778.
Wang Jiaoe, Mo Huihui, 2009. Discussion on the distribution of civil airports. Journal of Civil Aviation Flight University of China, 20(6): 7–10. (in Chinese)
Wang J, Mo H, Wang F, 2014. Evolution of air transport network of China 1930–2012. Journal of Transport Geography, 30: 145–158.
Wang J, Mo H, Wang F et al., 2011. Exploring the network structure and nodal centrality of China’s air transport network: A complex network approach. Journal of Transport Geography, 11: 712–721.
Wang Jiaoe, Mo Huihui, Jin Fengjun, 2009b. Spatial structural characteristics of the Chinese aviation network based on complex network theory. Acta Geographica Sinica, 64(8): 899–910. (in Chinese)
Wu Chuanjun, Gao Xiaozhen, 1989. A model of port–city development. Geographical Research, 8(4): 9–15. (in Chinese)
Wu Chuanjun, Sun Chenglie, Deng Jingzhong, 1955. Preliminary experience of survey methods on the selection of rail lines. Acta Geographica Sinica, 21(2): 155–164. (in Chinese)
Wu Miao, Yang Zhaoping, Dai Songying, 2009. Analysis on Russia socio-economic geography development since 1990s. World Regional Studies, 18(1): 157–164. (in Chinese)
Wu Qitao, Zhang Hongou, Chen Fenggui et al., 2010. The hub and spoke network and its application in transportation geography. Progress in Geography, 29(6): 701–708. (in Chinese)
Wu Wei, Cao Youhui, Cao Weidong et al., 2006. Spatial structure and evolution of highway accessibility in the Yangtze River Delta. Acta Geographica Sinica, 61(10): 1065–1074. (in Chinese)
Wu Wei, Cao Youhui, Liang Shuangbo et al., 2009. The accessibility pattern of the railway passenger transport network in China. Geographical Research, 28(5): 1389–1400. (in Chinese)
Xiu Chunliang, Zhao Yinghui, Song Wei, 2008. Spatial polarization of railway transport in northeast China: 1990–2005. Acta Geographica Sinica, 63(10): 1097–1107. (in Chinese)
Xu Gang, 1990. The function, pattern and development of the lower Changjiang River ports system in Jiangsu province. Acta Geographica Sinica, 45(3): 275–283. (in Chinese)
Xue Junfei, 2008. Hierarchical structure and distribution pattern of the Chinese urban system based on the aviation network. Geographical Research, 27(1): 23–31. (in Chinese)
Yang Wuyang, 1964. Regionalization and natural condition of land transport in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 30(4): 301–319. (in Chinese)
Yang Wuyang, Zhang Guowu, Zhang Wenchang et al., 1986. Transportation Geography. Beijing: China Commerce and Trade Press. (in Chinese)
Ye Shunzan, 1998. The areas along the newly constructed Beijing–Kowloon Railway. Acta Geographica Sinica, 53(2): 157–165. (in Chinese)
Yu Taofang, Gu Chaolin, Li Zhigang, 2008. China’s urban systems in terms of air passenger and cargo flows since 1995. Geographical Research, 27(6): 1407–1418. (in Chinese)
Zhang Bing, 2007. Regional effect study of rapid land transportation [D]. Beijing: Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. (in Chinese)
Zhang Guowu, 1965. Introduction to Chinese Economic Geography: Transportation Geography. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Zhang Qian, Hu Yunfeng, Liu Jiyuan et al., 2011. Identification of urban clusters in China based on assessment of transportation accessibility and socio-economic indicators. Acta Geographica Sinica, 66(6): 761–770. (in Chinese)
Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun, Fan Jie, 2000. Traffic Economic Belts. Beijing: Science Press.
Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun, Rong Chaohe et al., 1993. Spatial Transportation Linkage: Theoretical Study, Experimental Analysis and Forecasting Methods. Beijing: China Railway Publishing House. (in Chinese)
Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun, Tang Xiufang, 1994a. The formation and growth regularities of spatial transport linkage. Acta Geographica Sinica, 49(5): 440–448. (in Chinese)
Zhang Wenchang, Jin Fengjun, Tang Xiufang, 1994b. Distribution and exchange regularities of spatial transport linkage. Acta Geographica Sinica, 49(5): 490–499. (in Chinese)
Zhang Wudong, 1993. Transportation Distribution. Shanghai: East China Normal University Press. (in Chinese)
Zhou Yixing, Hu Zhiyong, 2002. Looking into the network structure of the Chinese urban system from the perspective of air transportation. Geographical Research, 21(3): 276–286. (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation
National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41171107; No.41371143
Author
Jin Fengjun (1961–), Professor, specialized in transport geography and regional development studies.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jin, F., Wang, C., Cao, Y. et al. Progress of research on transportation geography in China. J. Geogr. Sci. 26, 1067–1080 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-016-1316-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-016-1316-x