A Web-based spatial decision support system for accessibility analysis—concepts and methods

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to describe the concept of the spatial decision support system (SDSS), which combines network analysis and spatial analysis of accessibility with an interactive Web-based map application. There are two main objectives of this research: (1) to assess the spatial variation of accessibility to certain services within the city area, based on the network analysis and (2) to share the results with potential users in the form of a Web application. The intended system can help people answer such questions as “Which part of the city has good access to primary schools and parks?” These questions involve a multi-criteria spatial analysis and can be asked by both citizens and local authorities. The accessibility analysis can help them take better decisions regarding location and accessibility. In this paper the concept of an open source Web-based SDSS is proposed. Its prototype is based on the GeoServer, which is used as a Web Map Service provider. The Web user interface is built using the ExtJS and the GeoExt frameworks with the OpenLayers as a main map client. Finally, a dynamic Styled Layer Descriptor, generated with a PHP script, is incorporated in order to create interactive and user-oriented maps.