Reading the patterns of transport network and population distribution; fractal geometry application in Kurunegala township and its surrounding areas, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Tbe ReCIprocalrelationsbip between tbepopulation distribution and the transport nenvork pattern bas been JJJidefydiscussed,for example iuhen tbe population increases; demand for transport related infrastructure increases and tnce versa. But the relationship betueen the road netuore pattern and population distribution bas not been adequatefy investigated and lacks the appropriate method especialfy in Sri Lankan spatial and transport planning studies. In sucb a context, tbis research explores the feasibility of an emerging method called 'Fractal Geometry' to explain the relationship betiueen road network patterns and population distributions. Tbus, tbis stmfy calculated the road and population distribution fractal dimensions based on tbe 'mass radius' fractal geometry method and anafyzed tbe relationship between these tuo variables. Findings of the stucfy baue revealed a strong correlation and liner relationship between thefractal dimensions of road and population distribution. According/)', tbe stucfy concludesfractal geometry as a useful tool in understanding the relationship betueenpopulation distribution and tbe road netuork