nodesplaces

Nodesplaces is a conceptual framework and data model for representing networks that connect nodes with places, integrating graph-theoretic structure with geographic information. It treats nodes as network points (such as intersections, facilities, or hubs) and places as geographic entities (points, lines, or polygons) with spatial attributes, and it uses edges to encode connectivity, flow, or relationships between nodes, optionally linking nodes to places to express service areas, catchments, or accessibility.

The data model supports attributes for nodes (id, type, coordinates, metadata), places (id, name, geometry, attributes), and edges (source, target, weight, relationship). It supports directed and undirected edges, multiple edge types, and spatial annotations. The model is designed to work with geospatial coordinates and with graph structures, enabling combined spatial-network analysis and visualization.

Applications include urban transportation and mobility analysis, utility networks, logistics and supply chains, and cultural or ecological networks. Researchers and practitioners use nodesplaces to analyze connectivity, accessibility, network efficiency, and spatial equity, as well as to simulate propagation or flow over networks with spatial constraints.

Formats and interoperability: data can be stored in graph databases (e.g., Neo4j) and GIS databases, and exchanged via formats such as GeoJSON, Shapefiles, or RDF. Interoperability is achieved through shared schemas, standard identifiers, and mapping between node/place graphs and existing geospatial or network models.

Governance and history: as a concept, nodesplaces has emerged from work on spatial networks and geospatial graph representations, with community-driven standards or best practices often evolving in open data ecosystems. Noted limitations include data quality, privacy concerns, scale, and keeping temporal updates synchronized.

See also Geographic information systems; Graph theory; Spatial networks.