Differentiation of Administrative Units of Albania by Length and Density of National Road Network

Abstract

The distribution of the road network in Albania is condition by physico-geographic and socio-economic factors. The small density of the road network puts Albania in the last group of world countries, together with Romania and Bulgaria, but behind all Balkan countries. The unequal development of the road network is one of the strongest reasons for the unequal economic development of different regions of Albania. Inadequacy of road infrastructure is also a major cause for the high level of pollution in urban areas. The study assesses and differentiates Albania's national road network based on several statistical indicators, according to the administrative organization (municipalities and districts) approved by law. The data sources are the road and topographic maps, as well as the data of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Local Affairs. Maps and images are georeferenced and processed in ArcGIS 10.2, where digital lines, road junctions, and other geographic objects related to them are digitized.