How can you analyze multimodal transportation networks with GIS?

1 Data collection

The first step in analyzing multimodal transportation networks with GIS is to collect the relevant data sources. Depending on your research question and scope, you may need data on the physical infrastructure, the travel demand, the travel behavior, the travel costs, and the environmental and social impacts of different modes. You can obtain data from various sources, such as public agencies, open data portals, surveys, sensors, or crowdsourcing platforms. You should always check the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the data before using it for analysis.

2 Data preparation

The second step in analyzing multimodal transportation networks with GIS is to prepare the data for network analysis. This involves creating or importing network datasets that represent the topology, attributes, and connectivity of different modes. You may need to convert, integrate, or disaggregate data from different formats, scales, or projections to create a consistent and coherent network dataset. You may also need to define or assign network parameters, such as speed limits, travel times, capacities, impedances, or restrictions, to each mode or segment of the network.

3 Network analysis

The third step in analyzing multimodal transportation networks with GIS is to perform network analysis. This involves applying various analytical techniques and tools to measure, compare, or optimize different aspects of the network performance or accessibility. For example, you can use network analysis to calculate the shortest or fastest routes, the travel time or distance matrices, the service areas or catchments, the origin-destination flows or patterns, the network centrality or vulnerability, or the accessibility indicators or indices for different modes or scenarios. You can also use network analysis to identify or solve network problems, such as congestion, bottlenecks, gaps, or conflicts.

4 Network visualization

The fourth and final step in analyzing multimodal transportation networks with GIS is to visualize the network and the analysis results. This involves creating or exporting network maps, charts, tables, or dashboards that display the spatial distribution, variation, or correlation of different network variables or outcomes. You can use network visualization to explore, communicate, or evaluate the network characteristics or performance for different modes or scenarios. You can also use network visualization to interact with or customize the network data or analysis results according to your needs or preferences.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?