Transportation Geography - Transportation Modes

Transportation Modes

In terms of transport modes, the primary forms are air, rail, road, and water. Each one has its own cost associated with speed of movement, as a result of friction and place of origin and destination. For moving large amounts of goods, ships are generally used. Maritime shipping is able to carry more at a cheaper price around the world. For moving people who prefer to minimize travel time, and maximize comfort and convenience, air and road are the most common modes in usage. A railroad is often used to transport goods in areas away from water.

" Transportation modes are an essential component of transport systems since they are the means by which mobility is supported. Geographers consider a wide range of modes that may be grouped into three broad categories based on the medium they exploit: land, water and air. Each mode has its own requirements and features, and is adapted to serve the specific demands of freight and passenger traffic. This gives rise to marked differences in the ways the modes are deployed and used in different parts of the world. Recently, there is a trend towards integrating the modes through intermodality and linking the modes ever more closely into production and distribution activities. At the same time; however, passenger and freight activity is becoming increasingly separated across most modes."

Developments in Transportation Technology 1500 — – 1550 — – 1600 — – 1650 — – 1700 — – 1750 — – 1800 — – 1850 — – 1900 — – 1950 — – 2000 — Horse and carriage, sailing ships Erie Canal Steam locomotives Automobiles Passenger aircraft ← average speed of 10mph ← Canal construction leads way to increase in transportation, esp. in New York State ← Trains avg 75mph ← Autos become main mode of transportation