Connection and orientation in three West African road networks

Hay A. M. (1971) Connection and orientation in three West African road networks, Reg. Studies 5, 315-319. The study examines the connectivity and orientation of the road networks of Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast by measuring the "route factor" which is defined as the ratio between road distance and geodetic distance. Conclusions: Ghana and Ivory Coast are more highly connected than Nigeria; three regions within Nigeria are better connected than the country as a whole; there is an absence of marked orientation to ports or administrative capitals. The technique is useful to examine qualitative statements about networks and the effects of proposed construction.