Network analysis

Network analysis is used for identifying the most efficient routes or paths for allocation of services. This involves finding the shortest or least-cost manner in which to visit a location or a set of locations in a network. The "cost" in a network analysis is frequently distance or travel time.  The illustration below shows how GIS staff performed such an analysis to highlight areas within a two-mile driving distance from a fire station.

Network analysis can also be used to optimize the allocation of resources.  This example also shows the amount of overlap between the service areas of two fire stations.  Fire Services was therefore able to optimize their response times by forming a plan based on this information.  Even in cases such as this, when relocating a distribution center is impractical, such information can prove valuable in forming protocols.