"The best and most comprehensive analysis available of regional transportation systems in the United States,
befitting William R. Black's reputation as one of the field's foremost authorities. Not only is Black's work on
the evolution of U.S. transportation insightful, but his development and demonstration of research methodologies
is also without peer. The book distills historical and recent policy questions into clear, researchable issues,
blending spatial, economic, environmental, and social considerations. It concludes on a positive note of sustainability
that is both optimistic and judicious. This book should be required reading for all transportation researchers
and analysts. As a text, it is sure to dominate the field for the next decade, particularly for the intermediate
and advanced student."
--Kingsley E. Haynes, George Mason University
"This high-quality book from a noted transport geographer is a welcome addition to the literature....Clear
and insightful sections on the transport planning process, transport impact analysis, and transport's impact on
the environment are major bonuses. From a contemporary perspective, the sections on geographical information systems
in transport and the treatment of such current issues as congestion and sustainable transport are critical reading
for academics and policymakers alike."
--Thomas R. Leinbach, University of Kentucky
Publisher Web Site, August, 2003
Summary
This comprehensive text provides an authoritative introduction to transportation geography. With a primary focus
on the United States, the volume also examines problems and trends in Europe and other parts of the developed world.
Students gain a solid grasp of the history, definitions, and core concepts of the field, as well as models for
analyzing transportation networks and flows between regions. Environmental, economic, and social issues in transportation
planning and policy are addressed, and the uses of geographic information systems in transport (GIS-T) are discussed
in detail. Written in a clear, straightforward style, the volume emphasizes real-world applications of the concepts
discussed and identifies promising directions for future research. No advanced mathematical knowledge on the part
of the reader is assumed.
Key Features
No other comprehensive text covers transportation geography from a North American perspective.
Black is experienced and respected for his innovation.
Will interest public and regional planners as well as geographers.
Covers all the basics, analytical methods, and policy implications.
Table of Contents
I. Foundations
1. An Introduction to Transportation Geography
2. A History of Transportation
3. Current Transport Systems and Trends
II. Network Analysis
4. Basic Elements of Transport Networks: Nodes and Links
5. Measurement of Transportation Networks
6. The Location of Transportation Routes and Links
III. Flow Analysis
7. Trade and Commodity Flows
8. Methods of Flow Analysis
9. The Prediction Problem of Flow Generation
10. Spatial Interaction and the Gravity Model
11. Spatial Choices: Destinations, Modes, and Routes
IV. Policy, Plans, and Impacts
12. Transport Policy
13. Transport Planning: Rationale and Process
14. Transport Impact Analysis
15. Transportation's Impact on the Environment
16. Transportation, the Economy, and Economic Development
V. Geographic Information Systems in Transport (GIS-T)
17. GIS-T: An Introduction
VI. Current Issues and Problems
18. Societal Trends and Their Impact on Transport
19. Congestion
20. Sustainable Transport and Potential Mobility
