Facility sitting using GIS and genetic algorithms

One of the important questions, in the establishment of a facility in an area, is about its optimum location. Geo-spatial information systems provide a variety of analytical tools for the integration of different spatial data, related to the parameters affecting the suitability of a location.
In this regard, proper models, algorithms and ideas are needed to be developed, in order to find the proper site. This article elaborates the usability of genetic algorithms in GIS environment for site selection. In addition, it describes the difficulties related to GA’s implementation in comparison with other methods.
In the literature, the suitability of this algorithm for complex and non-structured problems is not properly reported. Probably because of its complex logic, the algorithm is rarely used for spatial data integration in site selection. Process
In this article, the application of GA, for the selection of proper sites for building service areas beside roads, is reported. First, the data and analysis requirements of the application are studied. On the basis of this, the components of GA are designed. Then, the required data are collected, processed and entered into the algorithm. As a result, the proper areas for the establishment of service areas are selected. As a final point, a comparison is made between the selected areas and the results of other approaches and methods.
Keywords: Genetic Algorithm, GIS, Site Selection, spatial analysis, service areas.