The shrivelled USA: representing time–space in the context of metropolitanization and the development of high-speed transport

Abstract

a b s t r a c tOn the one hand the present globalisation process has only been made possible through a reduction in time-distances allowed by high-speed transport, and particularly through the development of air transport. On the other hand the metropolitanization process seen as the urban counterpart of globalisation is deeply associated with the development of air transport.Understanding distances between places is a fundamental task for the geographer, while the representation of distances constitutes one of the major functions of cartography.Among the types of maps invented to represent time-space, distorted projections were supplemented with time-space relief cartography in the 1990s. This paper proposes a representation of the time-space relief of the USA considering terrestrial and air modes. This constitutes a key innovation in this type of cartography, giving the possibility of creating a representation of global time-space. The metaphors associated with the images proposed are then discussed evoking the shrinking, the crumpling and finally the shrivelling of time-space. The shrivelling metaphor takes account of the complicated contraction/ expansion movement that high-speed transport impacts on space and allows for a rich interpretation of the time-space relief map of the USA in the perspective of the processes of globalisation and metropolitanization.

What Is the Shape of Geographical Time-Space? A Three-Dimensional Model Made of Curves and Cones

“…However these maps imply that all the space located in-between places that are moved closer to each other benefit from the time-space contraction. The fact that these maps do not account for the phenomenon of space inversion (see Figure 1), a key feature of geographical time-spaces, is the main critic formulated against this type of representation [28].…”

“…We propose in this paper a geographical time-space model extending time-space relief cartography introduced by Mathis and L'Hostis [25][26][27][28]. We will expose the principles of the model and, in the annexes, detail the mathematics needed for graphical implementation.…”

“…Initially applied only to terrestrial transport modes, the model was extended in the 2000s to the air transport system, on continental spaces [28]. The next step is the current proposal that develops a new design for the transport surface, and introduces curves for long edges.…”

Methods for Multilevel Analysis and Visualisation of Geographical Networks

“…For a complete analysis, this picture must be enriched marginally with the development of other transport systems, such as urban public transport and high-speed rail, which operate as a complement, rather than a substitution for cars and planes. L'Hostis proposed considering the simultaneous high-speed and lower-speed transport modes on a continental scale in a single time-space relief cartography (L'Hostis, 2009). This representation is proposed from a different angle of view ( Fig.…”

Small aircraft as a means of transport in Spain

“…The choice of a mode of transport depends mainly on the trip distance and the access to facilities within a certain distance (Scheiner, 2010;Trani et al, 2006;Wittmer and Laesser, 2009). In this regard, the use of the car is greatest in local situations, whereas air transport dominates over long distances (L'Hostis, 2009). In this context, personal mobility is characterised by self-propelled movements that can range from a walk to movements requiring the use of different types of technologies, such as the bicycle, car and aircraft.…”