Time-space convergence and the reduction in the friction of distance
- Explain how a reduction in the friction of distance results in time-space convergence.
- Examine the relative changes in the speed and capacity of two types of transport (air, ocean, road, rail, pipeline) responsible for the flow of goods, materials and people.
The time-space convergence is the reduction in the time taken for ideas and people to travel.
The world is effectively shrinking, because it takes less time to transport goods, information and services worldwide.
(Frictional) Distance decay – the further away regions are from each other the less interaction observed between them. The time-space convergence has led to a decrease in the effects of distance decay.
Water vs air transport
Note: whilst aircraft have become faster, ocean tankers have become larger.
Extension and density of networks
- Examine the changes in a transport, internet or telecommunications network in terms of the extension of links and nodes and the intensity of use at a national and global scale.
- Describe the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in civil society and the transmission and flow of images, ideas, information and finance.
- Examine the contrasting rates, revels and patterns of adoption of an element of ICT in two countries.
Developments in transport and communication have accelerated the pace of globalization in the modern era.
Transport technology
- Increase speed and efficiency has led to a global network of transport hubs.
- Decreases in the cost of transport have made development much more accessible to poorer areas of the world (LEDCs).
- Main examples: steam engines, commercial jet aircraft, ocean freighters and containerization.
Communications technology
- E.g the development of satellite technology and optical fibre cables.
- People have the power to collect, transfer and transmit information much more rapidly than ever before.
ICT in Civil Society
A civil society is any organisation or movement that works in the area between the household and the private sector or the state to negotiate matters of public concern. E.g NGOs, trade unions and academic institutions.
Global Digital Divide
The use of ICT eliminates distance and allows for instantaneous business transactions to be made between organisations.
Despite this, there is a global digital divide – a gap between those with regular effective access to digital and information technology, and those without it. (It can also refer to fixed line telephones, telecommunications and the internet.)
IB Geography Turtle 