Network-based spatial analysis is possible through ArcGIS Network Analyst. Essential functions include routing, fleet routing, travel directions, closest facility, service area, and allocation and displacement of places. This analytical tool allows dynamically modeling real-world network connections. One-way streets, U-turns, height restrictions, speed limit, and traffic can be adjusted. The shortest routes can be achieved as well as the most efficient routes for visiting multiple locations. The closest place of interest can be located. Location-allocation analysis can be conducted to determine the optimal locations for facilities.
This lab involves network analysis focused on my mini vacation trip over the 3rd weekend of May 2012. The trip was planned with a hotel booked and activities organized. It was a 2 night trip staying at the Cottage Inn by the Sea at Pismo Beach. This vacation was especially memorable because the hotel was situated in front of the beach overlooking the ocean. A fun activity planned was ATV riding. Another exciting activity was shopping at Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. Lastly, visiting the Hearst Castle was a must since it is a famous attraction in San Luis Obispo. The optimal route was determined by creating new routes. The route includes starting at my apartment at 22027 S. Vermont Ave in Torrance, stopping at the Pismo Beach Cottage Inn by the Sea hotel at 2351 Price Street in Pismo Beach, driving over to Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, and finally ending at the Hearst Castle at 100 Hearst Castle Rd in San Simeon. Addresses of these locations were found online and geocoded in ArcGIS to improve accuracy of the exact location before setting the route location points. Freeways and major streets were added as layers as well. The points of interest are labeled. After setting the points of interest, clicking the solve button in Network analyst tool performed the optimal route. The impedance was set to time and so it generated the fastest route based on speed limits. Distance unit was set to miles.
Restrictions were
made for optimal route generation avoiding traffic accidents. An accident was
proposed on the 405 N freeway near the Crenshaw Blvd. exit. This traffic
collision made the driver take 110 N straight up, passing the 405 N merging
ramp, and take the 105 W freeway. From the 105 W freeway, the driver would be
instructed to take the 405 N freeway which completely avoids the collision. Another
traffic collision was created on the 101 N freeway near Thousand Oaks and
Westlake Blvd exit. This collision changed the route slightly by making the
driver exit and returning to the 101 N freeway after passing the accident
locally. Service area was also conducted to determine whether the locations of
interest served where I live. The parameter values for time in minutes included
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50. The search tolerance was set at 500
meters. The service area was generated similarly to optimal route with default
parameters. U-turns were allowed everywhere and the restrictions were one-way.
The closest route
possible for ATV rental stores was generated from the Pismo Beach Cottage Inn
by the Sea hotel. A total of 6 location points were made including Arnie’s ATv
Rentals, Steve’s ATv Rentals, BJ’s ATV Rentals, Angello’s ATV Inc., Sun Buggy,
and Grover Beach Motor Sports. The result proved that the closest store was
BJ’s ATV Rentals. This analysis was done after my weekend trip. I rented ATVs
at Angello’s ATV Inc for the affordable price compared to other rental shops.
However, if I knew that more affordable ATVs are mostly for kids and the closer
ATV rental shop was BJ’s, I would have saved time and gas.
Based on the
results, the fastest route is understandable and realistic. The network
analysis tool can be improved by having the ability to read traffic and analyze
this information in addition to speed limits. This analysis was especially
practical because the trip I took was long distance and away from Los Angeles
traffic. The network analysis would be more reliable in Los Angeles in hours of
less traffic. Adding this traffic analysis function to network analysis will
improve the accuracy of optimal routes.
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