Fundamentals of Network Analysis
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Absorption Law in graph theory refers to the process of removing a node f… #
This concept is essential in network analysis, as it helps to simplify complex networks and reduce the computational requirements for analysis. Related terms include node reduction and network simplification. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, absorption law is used to analyze and optimize transportation networks. For instance, by removing nodes with low connectivity, the network can be simplified, and the remaining nodes can be analyzed more efficiently. This concept has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to identify the most critical nodes in a network and optimize traffic flow.
Accuracy in transportation modeling refers to how close the model's predi… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the reliability of the model's outputs. Related terms include precision and error analysis. In transportation modeling, accuracy is essential for making informed decisions about transportation infrastructure and policy. For example, a model that accurately predicts traffic volume and travel times can be used to optimize traffic signal timing and reduce congestion. However, if the model is inaccurate, it can lead to poor decision-making and inefficient use of resources. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the accuracy of transportation models and ensure that they are calibrated to reflect real-world conditions.
Activity #
based modeling in transportation planning refers to the approach of analyzing travel behavior based on the activities that individuals participate in. This approach recognizes that travel is often a derived demand, meaning that people travel to participate in activities such as work, school, or leisure. Related terms include trip-based modeling and tour-based modeling. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, activity-based modeling is used to develop more realistic and detailed models of travel behavior. For instance, by analyzing the activities that individuals participate in, transportation planners can better understand the underlying factors that influence travel demand and develop more effective strategies for managing transportation systems. This approach has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to develop more accurate forecasts of travel demand and optimize transportation infrastructure.
Aggregate travel demand refers to the total number of trips made by a pop… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of demand for transportation infrastructure and services. Related terms include trip generation and trip distribution. In transportation planning, aggregate travel demand is used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the aggregate travel demand of a population, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand for transportation and develop strategies to manage that demand. This concept has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to optimize transportation infrastructure and services, such as public transportation systems and road networks.
Algorithm in network analysis refers to a set of rules or procedures used… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the analysis. Related terms include optimization techniques and heuristics. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, algorithms are used to analyze and optimize transportation networks. For instance, by using algorithms to optimize traffic signal timing, transportation planners can reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. This concept has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems.
All #
or-nothing assignment in transportation planning refers to the approach of assigning all traffic to the shortest path between an origin and destination. This approach is used to model traffic assignment and estimate traffic volumes on different routes. Related terms include traffic assignment and route choice. In transportation planning, all-or-nothing assignment is used to develop models of traffic behavior and forecast traffic volumes on different routes. For example, by assigning all traffic to the shortest path, transportation planners can estimate the traffic volume on each route and identify areas with high congestion. However, this approach has limitations, as it does not account for the complexity of real-world traffic behavior. Therefore, it is often used! In combination with other approaches, such as stochastic assignment.
Arc in graph theory refers to a directed edge between two nodes in a netw… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it represents the relationships between nodes in the network. Related terms include node and edge. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, arcs are used to represent the relationships between different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the arcs in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Assignment in transportation planning refers to the process of allocating… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the traffic volume on each route and the overall performance of the transportation system. In transportation planning, assignment is used to develop models of traffic behavior and forecast traffic volumes on different routes. For example, by assigning traffic to different routes, transportation planners can estimate the traffic volume on each route and identify areas with high congestion. This concept has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to optimize traffic signal timing and reduce congestion.
Asynchronous transfer in public transportation refers to the transfer bet… #
This type of transfer can be challenging for passengers, as they may have to wait for a long time for the next vehicle. Related terms include synchronous transfer and coordinated transfer. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, asynchronous transfer is used to analyze the performance of public transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For instance, by analyzing the asynchronous transfers in a public transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the coordination of schedules and reduce waiting times for passengers. This concept has practical applications in transportation planning, where it can be used to develop more efficient and effective public transportation systems.
Average travel time in transportation planning refers to the average time… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the level of service provided by a transportation system. Related terms include travel time and level of service. In transportation planning, average travel time is used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the average travel time on different routes, transportation planners can identify areas with high congestion and develop strategies to reduce travel times.
Betweenness centrality in graph theory refers to the measure of th… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the importance of a node in the network. Related terms include centrality measures and node importance. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, betweenness centrality is used to analyze the importance of different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the betweenness centrality of different nodes in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Bottleneck in transportation planning refers to a point in a network wher… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall performance of the transportation system. Related terms include capacity constraints and congestion management. In transportation planning, bottlenecks are used to identify areas where the transportation system is limited and develop strategies to manage congestion. For example, by analyzing the bottlenecks in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the capacity of the system and reduce congestion.
Capacity in transportation planning refers to the maximum number of vehic… #
Related terms include level of service and congestion management. In transportation planning, capacity is used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the capacity of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the capacity of the system and reduce congestion.
Centroid in graph theory refers to a node that is representative of a gro… #
Related terms include node importance and graph theory. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, centroids are used to analyze the importance of different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the centroids in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Closeness centrality in graph theory refers to the measure of the… #
Related terms include centrality measures and node importance. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, closeness centrality is used to analyze the importance of different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the closeness centrality of different nodes in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Cluster in graph theory refers to a group of nodes in a network that are… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the structure of the network. Related terms include community detection and network structure. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, clusters are used to analyze the structure of transportation networks and identify areas with high connectivity. For instance, by analyzing the clusters in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Community in graph theory refers to a group of nodes in a network that ar… #
Related terms include cluster detection and network structure. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, communities are used to analyze the structure of transportation networks and identify areas with high connectivity. For instance, by analyzing the communities in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Connectivity in graph theory refers to the measure of the number of paths… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the overall performance of the network. Related terms include path length and network structure. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, connectivity is used to analyze the performance of transportation networks and identify areas for improvement. For instance, by analyzing the connectivity of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Demand in transportation planning refers to the number of trips made by a… #
In transportation planning, demand is used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the demand for transportation in a given area, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Density in graph theory refers to the measure of the number of edges betw… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the overall structure of the network. Related terms include edge density and network structure. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, density is used to analyze the structure of transportation networks and identify areas with high connectivity. For instance, by analyzing the density of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Destination in transportation planning refers to the final point of a tri… #
Related terms include origin and trip purpose. In transportation planning, destinations are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the destinations of trips in a given area, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Distance in graph theory refers to the measure of the length of a path be… #
In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, distance is used to analyze the performance of transportation networks and identify areas for improvement. For instance, by analyzing the distance between different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce travel times.
Edge in graph theory refers to a connection between two nodes in a networ… #
Related terms include node and arc. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, edges are used to represent the relationships between different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the edges in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Efficiency in transportation planning refers to the measure of the perfor… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of service provided by a transportation system. Related terms include effectiveness and level of service. In transportation planning, efficiency is used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the efficiency of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce travel times.
Elasticity in transportation planning refers to the measure of the respon… #
Related terms include travel demand and price elasticity. In transportation planning, elasticity is used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the elasticity of travel demand in a given area, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Equilibrium in transportation planning refers to the state of a transport… #
Related terms include optimum and level of service. In transportation planning, equilibrium is used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the equilibrium of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce travel times.
Feedback in transportation planning refers to the process of using the ou… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of accuracy of the model. Related terms include calibration and validation. In transportation planning, feedback is used to develop more accurate models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by using feedback to calibrate a transportation model, transportation planners can improve the accuracy of the model and make more informed decisions about transportation infrastructure and policy.
Frequency in public transportation refers to the number of vehicles or tr… #
It is a critical concept in public transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of service provided by the system. Related terms include headway and service frequency. In public transportation planning, frequency is used to evaluate the performance of public transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the frequency of different public transportation systems, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce waiting times for passengers. This concept has practical applications in public transportation planning, where it can be used to develop more efficient and effective public transportation systems.
Graph in graph theory refers to a mathematical representation of a networ… #
In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, graphs are used to represent the structure of transportation networks and identify areas with high connectivity. For instance, by analyzing the graph of a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Headway in public transportation refers to the time between successive ve… #
Related terms include frequency and service headway. In public transportation planning, headway is used to evaluate the performance of public transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the headway of different public transportation systems, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce waiting times for passengers.
Hierarchy in graph theory refers to the ranking of nodes in a network bas… #
In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, hierarchies are used to analyze the importance of different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the hierarchy of different nodes in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Hub in transportation planning refers to a node in a network that serves… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of connectivity provided by a transportation system. Related terms include node and transfer point. In transportation planning, hubs are used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by analyzing the hubs in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce travel times.
Incident in transportation planning refers to an event that disrupts the… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of reliability provided by a transportation system. Related terms include reliability and robustness. In transportation planning, incidents are used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the incidents that occur in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the reliability of the system and reduce the impact of incidents on travel times.
Interaction in transportation planning refers to the relationship between… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of performance provided by a transportation system. Related terms include feedback and coupling. In transportation planning, interactions are used to develop more accurate models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the interactions between different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce travel times.
Interchange in transportation planning refers to a point in a network whe… #
In transportation planning, interchanges are used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by analyzing the interchanges in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce travel times.
Intermodality in transportation planning refers to the ability of a trans… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of flexibility provided by a transportation system. Related terms include multimodality and mode choice. In transportation planning, intermodality is used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by analyzing the intermodality of different transportation systems, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the flexibility of the system and reduce travel times.
Journey in transportation planning refers to a trip made by a person or v… #
Related terms include trip and tour. In transportation planning, journeys are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the journeys made by a population, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Katz centrality in graph theory refers to a measure of the importance of… #
In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, Katz centrality is used to analyze the importance of different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the Katz centrality of different nodes in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Level of service in transportation planning refers to a measure of the qu… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of satisfaction provided by a transportation system. Related terms include quality of service and user experience. In transportation planning, level of service is used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the level of service provided by different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the quality of service and reduce travel times.
Link in graph theory refers to a connection between two nodes in a networ… #
Related terms include edge and arc. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, links are used to represent the relationships between different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the links in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Modal split in transportation planning refers to the proportion of trips… #
Related terms include mode choice and travel behavior. In transportation planning, modal split is used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the modal split of different populations, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand for certain modes of transportation and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Mode in transportation planning refers to a type of transportation, such… #
Related terms include modal split and travel behavior. In transportation planning, modes are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the modes used by a population, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand for certain modes of transportation and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Multimodality in transportation planning refers to the ability of a trans… #
Related terms include intermodality and mode choice. In transportation planning, multimodality is used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by analyzing the multimodality of different transportation systems, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the flexibility of the system and reduce travel times.
Network in graph theory refers to a mathematical representation of a syst… #
It is a critical concept in network analysis, as it determines the overall structure of the system. Related terms include graph and node. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, networks are used to represent the structure of transportation systems and identify areas with high connectivity. For instance, by analyzing the network of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the connectivity of the system and reduce congestion.
Node in graph theory refers to a point in a network that represents a loc… #
In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, nodes are used to represent the components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the nodes in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
OD matrix in transportation planning refers to a table that shows the num… #
Related terms include trip distribution and travel demand. In transportation planning, OD matrices are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the OD matrix of a population, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Optimization in transportation planning refers to the process of finding… #
Related terms include algorithm and heuristics. In transportation planning, optimization is used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by using optimization techniques to minimize travel times, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of a transportation system and reduce congestion.
Origin in transportation planning refers to the starting point of a trip #
Related terms include destination and trip purpose. In transportation planning, origins are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the origins of trips in a given area, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Path in graph theory refers to a sequence of nodes and edges that connect… #
Related terms include edge and node. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, paths are used to represent the relationships between different components of a transportation system, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems. For instance, by analyzing the paths in a transportation network, transportation planners can identify the most critical components of the system and optimize traffic flow.
Path length in graph theory refers to the number of edges in a path betwe… #
Related terms include distance and network structure. In the context of the Professional Certificate in Transportation Modeling, path length is used to analyze the performance of transportation networks and identify areas for improvement. For instance, by analyzing the path length of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce travel times.
Peak hour in transportation planning refers to the hour of the day when t… #
Related terms include peak period and off-peak period. In transportation planning, peak hours are used to develop models of travel behavior and forecast future demand for transportation infrastructure and services. For example, by analyzing the peak hours of a population, transportation planners can identify areas with high demand and develop strategies to manage that demand.
Performance measure in transportation planning refers to a metric used to… #
Related terms include level of service and quality of service. In transportation planning, performance measures are used to evaluate the performance of transportation systems and identify areas for improvement. For example, by analyzing the performance measures of different components of a transportation system, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the quality of service and reduce travel times.
Public transportation in transportation planning refers to a system of tr… #
It is a critical concept in transportation planning, as it determines the overall level of accessibility provided by a transportation system. Related terms include transit and mass transportation. In transportation planning, public transportation is used to develop more efficient and effective transportation systems. For example, by analyzing the public transportation systems in a given area, transportation planners can identify opportunities to improve the accessibility of the system and reduce travel times.