Contemporary optimization application through geographic information systems

Alan T. Murray

Omega, 2021, vol. 99, issue C

Abstract: The significance of optimization cannot be overstated. It is literally relied upon or responsible for much of what we see and do on a daily basis, with many service systems designed and managed to perform as best as possible. This review paper highlights the increased application of optimization through geographic information systems (GIS) to support management and decision making. A broad perception in management science and optimization circles is that GIS is merely a database system facilitating access to data, mapping and summary analysis. However, optimization is actually available through basic functionality in many GIS packages. This review identifies many of the optimization capabilities available in GIS, and is significant because there is a steady and growing trend of publication in academic and other outlets reporting application efforts that rely on GIS-based optimization. GIS usage is facilitated by user-friendly point-and-click access. This no doubt explains increased management planning involving GIS, making this review important for many reasons. Availability of optimization tools and techniques in GIS translates into use, often by individuals that likely do not understand the underlying models and methods. The growing significance of contemporary GIS software as a management and business analytic medium makes this a timely and important review topic, and suggests that increased interest in the capabilities provided in GIS is essential in order to ensure that optimization methods are appropriately and meaningfully applied in practice.

Keywords: GIS; Business analytics; Facility location; Spatial optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.omega.2019.102176

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