Chapter 7: Transport and Communication
Overview
- Natural resources, economic activities, and markets are rarely found in one place.
- Transport, communication, and trade establish links between producing and consuming centers.
- Efficient transportation and communication are crucial for high living standards.
Transport
- Definition: Service for the carriage of persons and goods using humans, animals, and vehicles.
- Modes: Land, water, air, and pipelines.
- Transport Network: Nodes connected by routes forming a pattern.
Modes of Transportation
- Land Transport: Roads and railways.
- Water Transport: Shipping and waterways.
- Air Transport: Airplanes.
- Pipelines: For materials like petroleum and natural gas.
Communication
- Satellite Communication: Emerged in the 1970s; connects remote areas.
- Internet: Largest electronic network, connecting over 1 billion people.
- Cyberspace: Electronic world for communication and information access.
Important Waterways
- Panama Canal: Shortens distances significantly; handles 5% of world shipping.
- Rhine Waterway: Navigable for 700 km, connects industrial areas in Europe.
- Danube Waterway: Serves Eastern Europe, navigable up to Taurna Severin.
- Volga Waterway: Important in Russia, navigable for 11,200 km.
- Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway: Unique commercial waterway in North America.
Key Points
- Efficient transport and communication systems are essential for economic growth.
- Water transport is cost-effective and does not require route construction.
- The integration of telecommunication and computers has transformed communication.