Geospatial Data Processing and Analysis of Cross-Border Rail Infrastructures in Europe

Peter Paul Theisen () and Benjamin Wagner Berg ()
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Peter Paul Theisen: University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven
Benjamin Wagner Berg: University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven

A chapter in Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics 2023, 2024, pp 257-277 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The European Union has established two major goals: the interconnection of Europe and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Rail transport, known as the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation, has the potential to bridge these goals if the right strategies are implemented. However, Europe still faces significant challenges in developing a unified rail transport network, particularly evident in the inadequate infrastructure in border areas. This study aims to address these challenges by first identifying all locations in Europe where cross-border rail traffic occurs and then exploring potential factors that influence the development of cross-border rail connections. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify potential influencing factors. Subsequently, a quantitative data analysis was performed using geographic data to identify relationships and confirm potential influences. Geographical Information Systems were utilized to create comprehensive datasets, providing detailed information on all cross-border rail connections in Europe and their corresponding border regions. The analysis confirmed a strong economy and a common language as the most significant factors influencing the emergence of cross-border rail links. Surprisingly, no correlation was observed between population size and the presence of cross-border rail infrastructure in border regions. In this context, it was discovered that many populous regions lack a direct rail connection to their neighbouring region when separated by a national border. This shows the persistent divisive nature of national borders in Europe, despite the existence of the single market and freedom of movement. The datasets generated in this study offer highly accurate geospatial data on European cross-border rail infrastructure. These datasets hold great potential for future research endeavours across multiple domains, providing fresh perspectives on the infrastructure of border areas.

Keywords: Cross-border infrastructure; GIS; Rail infrastructure; European border areas; Geospatial data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-46902-2_14

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