Fractal characteristics of the road network in Jiangsu province

Based on fractal theory, and with the help of GIS software, this paper illustrates our research on the spatial structures and patterns of the road network in both northern and southern Jiangsu province at the year of 1999 and 2009. Hausdorff dimension value and covering depth of the road network have been calculated in both the two regions at the year of 1999 and 2009. The evolution of road networks in Jiangsu Province over the last decade has also been analyzed. The results show that in the same year, no significant differences exist in the fractal dimension and covering depth between the two regions, but for the same region, the difference between the year of 1999 and 2009 is remarkable, which indicates a rapid construction and development of the road network in Jiangsu province over the last decade, and a well maintained regional balance at the same time.