The fractal dimensions of the road networks: A study of Jordan governorates

© 2022 Author(s).The fractal dimension is defined as a measure of the complexity of the road network. In this study, we calculated five different fractal dimensions for road networks in Jordan. Fractal dimensions of Box-counting, Perimeter area (P-A), Information, Mass, and Ruler were computed by using BENOIT for 12 governorates' centers in Jordan. The relationships between the Log-Linear functions of calculated fractal dimensions and urban parameters were determined. The results show that the Jordanian road networks have Box-counting dimension (Db), Perimeter area dimension (Dp), Information dimension (Di), Mass dimension (Dm), and Ruler dimension (Dr) between 1 and 2. Box counting dimension (Db) and Information dimension (Di) had strong positive singular linear correlations with the Logs of area, population, and the total number of roads, while Perimeter area dimension (Dp) had moderate negative singular correlations. Mass dimension (Dm) and Ruler dimension (Dr) showed an insignificant correlation with all parameters. This means Box counting dimension (Db), Perimeter area dimension (Dp), and information dimension (Di) yield a good indication of fractal geometry compared with Mass dimension (Dm) and Ruler (Dr). Results confirm that the fractal analysis of the homogeneous network offers a better understanding of the relationship between D and the network complexity as well as the relation between fractal geometry and urban parameters. Also, since no similar works have been carried before in Jordan, the idea and results of this research will help in reviling the fractal characteristics of the study area for the first time.