Two-dimensional Continuum Modeling Approach to Transportation Problems

The continuum modeling approach to transportation models is now gaining much attention because of its advantages in dealing with dense-network models, macroscopic problems, and initial phase planning. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the development and applications of the two-dimensional continuum modeling approach. The theoretical development and models with specific or arbitrary region configurations are first discussed, and then the applications of the continuum modeling approach to the determination of facility location, route choice, pedestrian flow, and policy and socio-economical analysis are reviewed. Finally, some prospective directions for future research are proposed.