A model for spatio-temporal network planning

Temporal GIS research has tended to focus on representing a single history through a series of states. For planning future work involving alternative scenarios a branching model of time may be required, however for large systems such models soon become highly complex. In this paper we introduce the temporal topology model which allows sections of work and the spatial, temporal and logical relationships between them to be represented efficiently together with the associated costs. We then discuss how this model could be used for analysis to determine an optimal plan, illustrated with a case study involving cycle network planning, and briefly describe some practical results which have been obtained.