Geographic information system modelling of freight transport and logistics in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Abstract

Saint Petersburg in Russia is a vital hub in the Eurasian transport system. Its 4300 ha Baltic ‘Big Port' is one of the busiest in the world, handling around 70 Mt of bulk and containerised cargo a year. It is Russia's leading container port, with liner routes to Rotterdam, Hamburg, Lübeck, Bremerhaven and Antwerp, and the refrigeration area is one of the largest in Europe. The total annual value of goods shipped is nearly £40 billion. A complex and continually developing road and rail network is needed to serve the fast-expanding port area. This paper describes how geographic information systems are being used to model and improve the city's transport and logistics infrastructure, helping to ensure it meets both social and economic needs and form an intergral part of the European transport network.