1. Time – Space Convergence
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TO DEFINE TIME-SPACE CONVERGENCE IDEA
TO DESCRIBE THE PATTERN SHOWN BY TIME-SPACE CONVERGENCE

2. Distance Decay
The frictional effect of distance or distance decay suggests that areas that are closer together are more likely to interact.
There has been a reduction in this frictional effect because of improvements in transport allowing greater distances to be covered in the same amount of time.
Improvements in ICT have brought different parts of the world together.

3. Time – Space Convergence
The reduction in the time taken to travel between two places due to improvements in transportation or communication technology.

4. Time – Space Convergence Rate
Time convergence rate: the velocity at which places are moving towards each other.
i.e. Sydney & Brisbane are 1000km apart. In 1902 it took 3 days (4320 mins) by coastal steamer in 2002 it took 1hr 25 mins (85mins) by aero plane.
so = 42mins per year

5. As the average speed of transportation has increased the world has become smaller

7. Types Of Transport
Transport costs are made up of operating costs and the profit rate which include…
Fuel and wages.
Overhead costs such as equipment, terminal facilities, tracks, and repairs.
Indirect costs such as insurance.

8. Competition
Some modes of transport are more competitive over a certain distance…
Advantages
Disadvantages
Water
Cheaper over long distances.
No cost in building the route.
Good for bulky, low-cost goods i.e. coal, ore, grains.
Costs spread over a large cargo.
Slow.
Very limited routes to deep-water ports.
Ships expensive to build/maintain.
Environmental problems, especially pollution.
Ports take up great space.
Air
Faster over long distances.
Limited congestion.
Good for high-value transport such as people, hi-tech industries and urgent cargo.
Lots of land needed for airports.
Noise and visual pollution.
Very expensive to build and maintain.
No flexibility of routes.
Very expensive.
Can carry only small loads.

9. Factors Affecting Type
Type of transport used depends on…
The item to be transported.
The cost of transporting it.
The speed at which it needs to be transported.

10. Activities
Using Geography For The IB Diploma P27 to 32, answer the following…
Define “Time-Space” Convergence”.
Using Figure 4 (P31), explain the role of “Time-Space Convergence in the process of spatial reorganisation.
Using Figure 6 (P32), How can the cost of a minute-long phone call from the USA relate to distance from the USA?