The possibility of applying complex networks to geographic research in remote areas of Siberia

The article deals with the actor-network approach and the theory of complex networks. The author offers geographers the use of actor-network approach in geographical research in remote areas. The review of the key concepts used in the actor-network approach, the scope of their application and comparison with the national tradition in geographical research. Using the categorical apparatus proposed by the proponents of the actor-network approach, the author considers the roads of hard-to-reach regions of Siberia as the main intermediaries of social relations: their physical, social and cultural significance, the features of the use of various actors, the vehicles used, the territorial patterns of location. The field materials were collected in Okinskiy district of the Republic of Buryatia in 2012, in the settlements of Tora-Khem todzhu district of the Republic of Tuva, Alygdger nizhneudinskiy district, Erbogachen Katangsky district of the Irkutsk region in 2013. Only officially recognized permanent and seasonal roads are taken into account in transport accessibility calculations and government decision-making, and pack trails are added to them on maps...