Modelling structural interdependent parameters of an urban road network using GIS

The growth of an urban city is determined by the efficiency of its transport network structure. Existing road networks in many of the urban cities in India are unable to meet the increasing travel demand. The demand can be met only through the effective utilization of existing road networks, for which proper connectivity, high accessibility, and effective network morphology are necessary. In many metropolitan cities, the transport network is rapidly expanding at the center while the peripheral growth of the city is ignored. A structural-parameter-based evaluation of the transport network is necessary for acquiring a clear understanding of the existing road network of a city. While the evaluation of the structural parameters of the transport network is a challenging task, understanding the interrelationship among the parameters is no less challenging. Each parameter should be examined by considering the relationship with the other parameters to devise effective strategies for improving the efficiency of an existing transportation system. This study analyzed the relationship between connectivity, accessibility, spatial pattern, and development for the existing transport network of Hyderabad city, India. The results show a strong correlation between these parameters. The use of GIS in this study simplified the analysis. The obtained results would be useful to the concerned urban transportation planning authorities for effective decision-making and policy implementations.