HSC Geography · People, Patterns and Processes · 7.3
Patterns of Infrastructure
Spatial patterns of infrastructure — what it is, where it grows, where it ages, and how it is evolving · NESA Syllabus 2022
Where we're going
By the end you can…
Define infrastructure & explain the global need
Contrast ageing (USA) vs expanding (China) patterns
Use Shanghai Metro & Sydney Metro as transport case studies
Explain the evolution to smart, sustainable infrastructure
Describe how technology is transforming ports
7.3.1
What & global needs
7.3.1 The backbone of society
Infrastructure = essential facilities & services
Hard (economic)
Transport, ports, power grids, water & telecoms networks.
Soft (social)
Hospitals, schools, emergency services.
Its spatial pattern — dense vs sparse — both reflects and drives where people & economic activity concentrate.
7.3.1 Two global challenges
Modernise vs build
Developed nations
Modernise ageing legacy systems that are overburdened by demand.
Emerging economies
Build new networks fast — sometimes adopting the latest technology from the start.
Both must balance expansion with sustainability.
7.3.2
Ageing (USA)
7.3.2 Case study — United States
Renewing a mature network
ASCE Infrastructure Report Card — "C-" range (2021)
Bridges, roads & water mains reaching end of service life → a large repair & renewal backlog. The problem is maintenance, not building from scratch. Focus: funding, resilience, sustainable design.
A mature pattern — the challenge is renewal, not growth.
7.3.3
Expansion (China)
7.3.3 Case study — China
Building new networks at scale
Belt & Road (2013–)
One of the largest global infrastructure programmes — ports, rail, roads & energy across many partner countries.
High-speed rail
The world's largest HSR network — tens of thousands of km linking major cities.
Debated too: environmental impact, debt sustainability, social effects.
7.3.4
Shanghai Metro
7.3.4 A modern metro network
Lines meeting at interchanges
Shanghai Metro (opened 1993) — one of the world's longest metro systems; a response to rapid urbanisation.
7.3.5
Sydney Metro
7.3.5 Case study — Sydney
Australia's first driverless metro
Sydney Metro — fully automated · North West line opened 2019
A new-build, high-frequency, automated system, extended under the harbour and through the CBD — planned around future population growth & sustainability. A contrast to renewing older heavy-rail lines.
A local (NSW) example to compare with Shanghai.
7.3.6
Evolution
7.3.6 Industrial-age → digital-age
Ageing legacy vs renewed new-build
Smart, data-driven, greener & more resilient — the direction of travel.
7.3.7
Technology in ports
7.3.7 Smart & automated ports
Technology reshaping trade infrastructure
Automation & digitisation → faster, more efficient logistics
Real-time tracking of goods → fewer delays, higher throughput
Renewable energy in port operations → lower emissions
Next: AI & the Internet of Things (IoT)
A smart, automated port handles more trade in the same space — changing its role in the global network.
End of 7.3
Recap
Infrastructure = backbone · ageing (USA) vs expanding (China: BRI & HSR) · Shanghai vs Sydney metros · evolution to smart & sustainable · technology in ports. Next: 7.4 — Patterns of Economic Activity.