Integration of Integer Programming with GIS Analyzing Abilities for Determining the Convenience Levels of Retail Stores

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has two different analysis tools which are network analysis and spatial analyses that have different analyzing abilities for location selection problems. These tools provide different individual analyses which carry different specialties. The paper aims to measure attractiveness levels of the study area for new retail store using the spatial tool's closeness and density analysis abilities. Network analysis is offered to determine the total coverage of the attractiveness levels of each retail store alternatives. Main focus of the study is to present how to integrate network and spatial analysis tools. Integer programming is offered to integrate two different analyses and a flow chart is used to represent suggested methodology. The study proposes a methodological approach for retail location selection problems and the methodology can be used in different location selection problem types. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Arasli