GIS Based Analysis of Interaction between Port Accessibility and Economy in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Land transportation networks play key role in economic activities by providing access to industries and commercial centers. As integral part of transportation system ports provide essential interchange between sea and land communication to facilitate interaction with global economic hubs. Region’s accessibility to port usually determines its production and growth potential. This paper provides quantitative analysis of roadway based port accessibility to different regions in Saudi Arabia using GIS framework. It also provides analytical basis for comparing relative geographical implications of the ports in the context of regional GDP and population concentration. Using geoprocessing tools like Network Analyst and Spatial Analyst in ArcGIS framework, accessibility contours are assessed. Then spatial indicators are developed to measure interaction between accessibility and economic parameters. Using these indicators, the regions lacking in adequate port accessibility are identified. Further analysis reveals that investment to improve accessibility of these regions may provide beneficial effect on their economic growth. The proposed procedure may be applied in regional planning and economic feasibility studies.