Reading the Patterns of Transport Network and Population Distribution; Fractal Geometry Application in Kurunegala Township and its Surrounding Areas, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Reciprocal relationship between the population distribution and the transport network pattern has been widely discussed, for example when the population increases; demand for transport related infrastructure increases and vice versa. But the relationship between the road network pattern and population distribution has not been adequately investigated and lacks the appropriate method especially in Sri Lankan spatial and transport planning studies. In such a context, this research explores the feasibility of an emerging method called ‘Fractal Geometry’ to explain the relationship between road network patterns and population distributions. Thus, this study calculated the road and population distribution fractal dimensions based on the ‘mass radius’ fractal geometry method and analyzed the relationship between these two variables. Findings of the study have revealed a strong correlation and liner relationship between the fractal dimensions of road and population distribution. Accordingly, the study concludes fractal geometry as a useful tool in understanding the relationship between population distribution and the road network.