The Change of Connectivity Structure between Major 100 Cities and Towns in Fukushima Prefecture after the March 11, 2011

Q-analysis of the Shortest Paths by Rail, Bus, and Car

Abstract

Fukushima Prefecture experienced the multiple consequences of an earthquake after the March 11, 2011. We explore the impacts of these complex disasters with particular attention to the changed accessibility space among traditional regional divisions in Fukushima. First, we collected extensive data before and after the disasters. Second, we calculated the shortest travel times between 100 major towns and villages, comparing for both public and private transportation, based on GIS tools. Third, we applied Q-analysis to an OD matrix.It is presented that the huge disaster, especially after causing the devastating nuclear plant accident, divided the Hama-dori region into three parts.