Changes in accessibility in the Meseta Purépecha region of Michoacán, Mexico: 1940-2000

This paper examines changes in town accessibility on the Meseta Purépecha of Michoacán, Mexico before and after road construction beginning in the 1940s. In the mid-20th century researchers noted the presence of an important mountain-lake trade connection, which by 2000 had been significantly diminished. Between 1940 and 2000 there was an increase in accessibility of the area east of Lake Pátzcuaro, while there were more modest increases seen in the western section of the meseta. Road improvements and realignments have led to substantial changes in the theoretical network associations among the towns, and while towns in the region have become better connected externally, improvements in accessibility among towns within the region were unevenly distributed.