A Multidimensional Network-Based Approach to Modeling Urban Growth in Texas Triangle Megaregion

This paper proposes a network analysis framework based on geographic information systems (GIS) to study the development of megaregions in support of urban planning and policy-making. The framework includes a new approach to model geo-shaped polygon data of census places as the Place Geo-Adjacency Network (PGAN). In particular, the integration of descriptive network analysis and degree distribution analysis supports the study of spatial connections, geospatial growth, hub effects, and expansion patterns in megaregions. To demonstrate this framework, a case study was conducted on four US megaregions to study their growth and expansion in the last 40 years since 1980. The degree distribution analysis captures the small-world property and quantifies the level of geospatial connectivity influenced by the hub effects. Policymakers can use the model as a decision support for urban planning and policy design to reduce disparities and improve connectivity in megaregion areas.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $77,000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747135

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Stearns, Amy

• Performing Organizations:

  Cooperative Mobility for Competitive Megaregions (CM2)

  University of Texas at Austin
  Austin, TX  United States  78712
• Principal Investigators:

  Sha, Zhenghui

• Start Date: 20220901
• Expected Completion Date: 20230901
• Actual Completion Date: 20230901
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: City planning; Geographic information systems; Network analysis (Planning); Spatial analysis; Urban growth
• Geographic Terms: Texas Triangle megaregion
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01939035
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Cooperative Mobility for Competitive Megaregions (CM2)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747135
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 9 2024 7:02PM