Latitude Geography
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2. Changing space—the shrinking world​

* 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. 

Speed and Capacity have changed considerably in all modes of travel due to improvements in technology. 

Air Travel
Successful airplane travel took place in 1900 however, hot air balloons were successfully flown earlier. 

During World War 2 the jet engine was developed allowing for much quicker flights. in 1969, Boeing developed the 747 which revolutionised air passenger travel. Current developments have focused the volume of passengers (such as the A380) or the speed, efficiency and comfort levels for passengers (Such as the 787 Dreamliner).

Due to the costs involved air freight is only used for light weight, low bulk items that require quick transit, such as letters and packages for example. 

Future developments in air travel could take many avenues. Sub orbital air travel travel and scramjets could revolutionise the speed of air travel. While solar power and air ship development could address the environmental impacts of air travel.


Rail Travel
Since the invention of the steam engine rail travel has been expanding. Trains quickly replaced canals as a key method for the transit of goods. Transit of people soon followed. 

It has been challenged by the cost of sea freight and the speed of air freight, but rail remains competitive. Its advantages include being able to deliver people directly into the heart of a city with minimal security risks. 

Rail has experienced a revival from the development of high speed rail networks. 

* Time–space convergence and the reduction in the friction of distance 

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 or global scale. 

India's Internet Network  

India has an extensive internet network. 

​The Internet is also a significant infrastructure supporting many of India's IT and outsourcing industries.

Describe the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in civil society and the transmission and flow of images, ideas, information and finance. 

The Great Firewall of China

China has extensive infrastructure and personnel dedicated to blocking and monitoring Chinese internet use. Officially known as "Golden Shield" the program employs over 30 000 people.

The firewall plays a significant role in blocking and stifling the role of civil society in reforming China's political system. 

Examine the contrasting rates, levels and patterns of adoption of an element of ICT in two countries. 

India and Australia using Facebook

The use of Facebook in India and Australia is quite different. 

India faces challenges connecting people to the internet due to its high inequality. 

Australia has a long history with Facebook with many younger Australians moving to other platforms for social media interaction.

Bhatia, R. (2016) The Inside Story of Facebook's Biggest Setback, The Guardian. accessed Sept 2016. 

Further reading

http://qz.com/583311/north-koreas-dissident-tracking-computer-software-is-a-dictators-wet-dream/
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  • Home
    • Preliminary Geography >
      • Stage 6 Geography Bridging Course
      • Biophysical Interactions
      • Senior Geography Project
      • Global Challenges
    • HSC Geography >
      • Ecosystems at Risk
      • People and Economic Activity
      • Urban Places
    • IB Geography >
      • IB Core Topics >
        • Populations in transition
        • Disparities in wealth and development
        • Patterns in resource consumption
        • Patterns in environmental quality and sustainability
      • Optional Themes >
        • Oceans and their coastal margins
        • Extreme environments
        • Leisure, sport and tourism
        • The geography of food and health
        • Urban Environments
      • HL Extension Topics >
        • Measuring global interactions
        • Changing space—the shrinking world
        • Economic interactions and flows
        • Environmental change
        • Sociocultural exchanges
        • Political outcomes
        • Global interactions at the local level
  • Links
    • Geo Researching Skills
    • HSC Geo Skills
    • SGP/Internal Assessment Projects
  • News
    • National Geo Comp
    • GTA NSW/ACT Fieldwork Awards
  • Contact
    • Latitude Geography authors
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