Abstract:In the previous studies of highway network topology, interchanges and exits/enters are always regarded as simple nodes without specific information about ramps. With the expansion of the network as well as the increase of the demand originating from analysis of security, design of traffic signs, emergency disposal, virtual reality simulation and vehicle navigation that are based on these topologies which are composed with the single-layer structure relationship, these topologies can no longer meet the requirements of these applications. On the other hand, they also lead to the best path search algorithm related becoming more complex. In this paper, a multi-level complex expressway network topology structure including information of interchange ramps is put forward according to the transportation engineering on the basis of research projects; it contains information of route/node, ramp/access and the direction of the node, meanwhile it can meet standard format of GDF (Geographic Data Files). It can support next-generation applications which are based on the complex expressway networks and the doubly linked list data structure is established to facilitate changes in the expressway interchange or the exits and enters unit. At the end of this paper, a new best path search algorithm is raised on the basis of the complex topology structure; it is possible using the complexity topology to adapt applications in future.
