Topological analysis of the automobile transport network of Zaporizhzhia region
Authors: Baiteriakov Oleg , Voronova Valeria 
Published: September 2024

Formulation of the problem. The feasibility of the study is explained by the need for a clear understanding of socio-economic realities and problems of the occupied territories that arose on the eve of full-scale Russian aggression. This will contribute to the reconstruction and further development of the territory in the post-war period, taking into account the previous problems.

The purpose of the article is to identify the state and spatial differences in the level of automobile transport accessibility of the territory of Zaporizhzhia region after the reform of the administrative-territorial system and on the eve of the Russian military aggression.

Methods. The study used the topological methods of calculating the level of road transport accessibility of the region and its administrative districts, the comparative analysis of assessment results, and the methods of district typification according to the configuration of road networks.

Results. The analysis of graphs and matrix of the shortest distances of the transport networks of Zaporizhzhia Region and its administrative districts as of 2021 was presented. It was revealed that the transport networks of Zaporizhzhia, Melitopol, and Pologiv districts belong to the monocentric radial type, while those of Berdiansk and Vasylivka districts have a cyclical appearance. Based on the calculations, an assessment and comparative analysis of the level of road transport accessibility of administrative units of the Zaporizhzhia region was carried out using topological methods with the determination of the following indicators: absolute accessibility index, Koenig number, Bavelash index, Beauchamp index and indicators of network connectivity (α-, β-, γ -indexes). The analysis of the graph of the transport and geographical position of district centers of the Zaporizhzhia region in terms of absolute and relative indicators testifies to a sufficiently rational configuration and connectivity of the road transport network. The best position in terms of accessibility on the territory of the region is occupied by the regional center of the city of Vasylivka. According to these indicators, the regional center occupies an intermediate position. The connectivity of community centers in the district transport networks of the region varies from low to medium level. The best indicators of connectivity are typical for Berdiansk district with a cyclic network configuration. The ways of improving the road transport accessibility of the territory of the administrative districts of the Zaporizhia region were proposed; they involve the improvement of the configuration of district transport networks and reconstruction of roads.

Scientific novelty and practical significance. The assessments of the level of transport accessibility of new administrative districts of Zaporizhzhia region, by the topological methods, were determined; the ways of improving transport accessibility of administrative districts of the region in the post-war period were proposed. The obtained data can be used to optimize the territorial management of the region, to forecast its further development, to develop strategies for socio-economic development.