Evaluating the importance of nodes in the urban logistics UAV distribution network based on complex network theory

Abstract

With the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban logistics distribution in recent years, it demonstrates that the use of UAVs in this field will realize network operation in the future. However, identifying sites with high importance in the urban logistics UAV distribution networks is a crucial problem in developing this field. To address this, we construct a directional weighted network model of urban logistics drone distribution using basic knowledge of complex networks, with cargo flow between sites as the side weights. Classical statistical characteristic quantities of urban logistics UAV distribution networks are extracted as the evaluation indexes for key node identification in the network. The TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation method is applied to construct the evaluation system of network node importance. Using Chengdu Gaoxin South District as an example, the importance ranking of sites in this zone's urban logistics UAV distribution network is obtained, and suggestions are given on the order of site opening. The identification of key areas is of great reference value for the future development of urban logistics UAV distribution networks.