TRA735 The Anatomy of Transport Networks (Autumn 2021)

About the course

Driven by processes like increasing urbanization or ‘de-carbonization’ of society, the transport system will also be subject to continuous change in the future. In order to plan and manage such transformations successfully, a profound understanding of the system’s underlying organizational structures and the interactions between its elements is required. Transport Network Analysis provides a practical framework for assessing the spatial and temporal natures of movements within a transportation system.

This course introduces students to Transportation Network Analysis and related graph theoretical concepts. Based on real-world networks sourced for different transport modes, students learn to obtain and interpret the fundamental properties of the underlying transportation networks. Models and algorithms integrating network topology with network flows are presented to assess the consequences of potential network alterations. Emphasis is placed on the practical assessment of flows in different spatial network layouts using the ‘R’ software environment as a tool for analysis and visualization. An introduction to this software and its application to geocoded data is part of this course.

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level
• Master of Science in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility

Required prerequisite knowledge

As for admission to master in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility

Recommended requirements

Equivalent to requirements for the MSc program in Logistics. Previous knowledge of the ‘R’- software environment is not required.

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

After completing this course the student will be able:

• to discuss fundamental concepts of transportation network analysis, such as the representation of transport networks as graphs, network traffic flows, user equilibrium etc.;
• to obtain and compare the properties of real-world transportation networks;
• to formulate and solve standard network problems that arise in a transportation context;
• to assess the consequences of selective alterations in the spatial organization of transport networks; and
• to apply the ‘R’ software environment to the analysis and the graphical visualization of transport systems in particular and to future research in general.

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is organized as a combination of lectures, computer lab sessions, and feedback meetings. Three hours of lecture per week will present and discuss theories and concepts. Corresponding lab sessions open for practical application and offer hands-on experience with the ‘R’ software environment. Periodically, students will be provided with opportunities for individual meetings with the instructors to ensure optimal study progress. 

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Mandatory coursework: Assignment(s)

• Courseworks given: 1

• Courseworks required: 1

• Comment:The assignment must be delivered in full within a given deadline and approved in order to be allowed to complete the final exam.

Examination

Form of assessment: Digital home assessment - Inspera

• Proportion: 100%

• Duration: 24 Hours

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: All printed and written supporting material

Syllabus

Pensumoversikt

• TRA735 The Anatomy of Transport Networks