A Positive Theory of Network Connectivity

David Levinson and Arthur Huang
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Arthur Huang: Nexus (Networks, Economics, and Urban Systems) Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

No 84, Working Papers from University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group

Abstract: This paper develops a positive theory of network connectivity, seeking to explain the micro-foundations of alternative network topologies as the result of self-interested actors. By building roads, landowners hope to increase their parcelsÕ accessibility and economic value. A simulation model is performed on a grid-like land use layer with a downtown in the center, whose structure resembles the early form of many Midwestern and Western (US) cities. The topological attributes for the networks are evaluated. This research posits that road networks experience an evolutionary process where a tree-like structure first emerges around the centered parcel before the network pushes outward to the periphery. In addition, road network topology undergoes clear phase changes as the economic values of parcels vary. The results demonstrate that even without a centralized authority, road networks have the property of self-organization and evolution, and, that in the absence of intervention, the tree-like or web-like nature of networks is a result of the underlying economics.

Keywords: road network; land parcel; network evolution; network growth; phase change; centrality measures; degree centrality; closeness centrality; betweenness centrality; network structure; treeness; circuitness; topology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R41 R48 R53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo, nep-net and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in Environment and Planning Part B 39(2), pp. 308-325

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http://hdl.handle.net/11299/180024 Second version, 2012 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: A Positive Theory of Network Connectivity (2012)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nex:wpaper:theoryofconnectivity

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