Analysis Method for the Spatial Layout Equilibrium of Highway Transportation Network Based on Community Detection

Analyzing the spatial layout equilibrium of highway transportation networks is essential for optimizing transportation networks, enhancing system efficiency and sustainability. To promote the equitable distribution and management of highway traffic resources, this study introduces a framework for assessing the spatial layout equilibrium of highway networks based on community structure. A new algorithm, named the C-Louvain algorithm, is introduced in this paper to address improving the stability of detection results in unconnected networks. The method first constructs a spatial node-based network, then detects the community structure of the highway network using the C-Louvain algorithm, and identifies key communities of the community structure network through a depth-first search. Network spatial layout imbalance is quantitatively assessed through supply-demand equilibrium analysis based on the Gini coefficient. This methodology is applied to the regional highway network in Shenyang, China. Results indicate that the C-Louvain method is optimal, excelling in accuracy, volatility, and efficiency compared to the classic FN, Leiden, and Louvain algorithms, providing a valuable contribution to the literature on graph clustering and data mining. There are significant differences in the number of communities within different connected components, which reflects the heterogeneity of the network's structure. By this method, the imbalanced area in the highway transportation network layout is quickly found, and the equitable distribution of traffic resources is quantitatively evaluated. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for managers to make scientific investment decisions for road network construction.