MULTILEVEL NETWORK BARRIERS - THE METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

This paper introduces the notion of network barriers and discusses some methodologies that might be applicable in the context of multilevel networks. The Öresund Region in Scandinavia provides an illustrative study area for examining contact behaviour in a network context under the combined influence of geographical and political barriers. Resulting contact patterns suggest that the classic methods of spatial interaction analysis (such as the gravity model) may have rather limited relevance if we wish to measure network accessibility on a multilevel or hierarchical basis. To facilitate this type of analysis, a multidimensional measure of contact frequency called interactivity is defined and its analytical potential is assessed. Some ideas for future research are also mentioned in order to test the proposed hypotheses and methodologies in a more rigorous manner. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.