GIS-Based Isochrone Modelling for Transport Accessibility Assessment: Evidence from Sumy Oblast, Ukraine

GIS Technologies and AI for Decision-Making and Management

Authors

First and Last Name Academic degree E-mail Affiliation
Anatolii Kornus Ph.D. kornus [at] sspu.edu.ua Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko
Sumy, Ukraine
Sumy State University
Sumy, Ukraine
Olesia Kornus Ph.D. o.kornus [at] sspu.edu.ua Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko
Sumy, Ukraine
Odesa I.I. Mechnykov National University
Sumy, Ukraine
Maiia Nikolaieva Ph.D. nikolaeva.mayya [at] onu.edu.ua Odesa I.I. Mechnykov National University
Odesa, Ukraine
Yavorska Viktoria Sc.D. yavorskaya [at] onu.edu.ua Odesa I.I. Mechnykov National University
Odesa, Ukraine

I and my co-authors (if any) authorize the use of the Paper in accordance with the Creative Commons CC BY license

First published on this website: 29.07.2026 - 21:20
Abstract 

Transport accessibility is a key factor influencing regional integration, spatial equity, and the efficiency of public service provision. Traditional distance-based measures often fail to reflect the actual performance of transport systems, making travel-time-based approaches more suitable for regional accessibility assessment. This study aims to evaluate automobile transport accessibility in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, through multi-level GIS-based isochrone modelling at both district and regional scales. The methodology is based on weighted graph analysis, where territorial community centres are represented as nodes and road connections as weighted edges corresponding to estimated travel times. Shortest travel times were calculated using Dijkstra's algorithm, while continuous accessibility surfaces and isochrone maps were generated through spatial interpolation. The entire analytical workflow was implemented using open-source GIS and Python-based tools, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. The results reveal substantial spatial disparities in transport accessibility across Sumy Oblast. District-level analysis demonstrates considerable differences in accessibility patterns associated with the geographical position of district centres, transport network configuration, and natural barriers. Regional-scale modelling identifies a pronounced centre–periphery gradient, with communities surrounding the regional centre exhibiting the highest accessibility, whereas northern border communities experience the longest travel times. The comparison of district and regional accessibility demonstrates that efficient connectivity within a district does not necessarily ensure favourable accessibility to the regional centre. The study confirms that GIS-based multi-level isochrone modelling provides a robust and transferable framework for identifying spatial inequalities in transport accessibility and supports evidence-based regional planning, infrastructure prioritisation, and territorial decision-making.

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