Changing Space | ccoleibgeography

Explain how a reduction in the friction of distance results in time–space convergence. Examine the relative changes in the speed and capacity of two types of transport (air, ocean, road, rail, pipeline) responsible for the flow of goods, materials and people.

Changing Space Terminology

Click on the image below to be linked to a terminology document that outlines changing space in the world.

Video on Containerization

This video by TED-Ed outlines how crucial the innovation of containerization has been in terms of globalization. When Malcolm McLean (1913-2001) came up with the idea of, instead of breaking down cargo into designated sections, simply shipping the entire load in containers, a revolution occured. McLean's idea in 1939 cut down on time and labour of workers, and thus shrank the world, accelerating time-space convergence.

Map on Travel Time

The map below (developed by the European Commission and the World Bank) shows the travel time it takes for commercial goods and transport to reach major cities, as well as the shipping lane density. I think that this map really shows the extent to which the Earth has shrunk over time. Global travel and international trade have rapidly accelerated time-space convergence, and this map indicates that.

Globalization Advancement Reports

Below is a collection of reports doen by our class, on different revolutions and inventions that have influenced globalization and time-space convergence. My partner and I chose to do the report on the shipping industry, with a touch on containerization.