Resolving Location Conflict with Standardized Space-Cost Curves

Abstract

Location analysis is concerned with the siting of facilities according to various cost criteria. Accessibility-based cost criteria typically generate different optimal solutions (least-cost location configurations) and location conflict arises. This paper outlines a new way to resolve such conflict–for single facilities sited in one-dimensional space. Piecewise-linear space-cost curves for two well known criteria, efficiency and equality, are first transformed into standardized (Z-score) curves. A family of hybrid space-cost curves is then generated, where each member of the family reflects different fractional weights, w and 1-w, being placed on efficiency and equality. Decision-makers or users can assign these weights directly to the two criteria, thereby determining the most appropriate hybrid space-cost curve used in resolving location conflict. This hybrid curve provides standardized, two-criteria cost information for all possible facility locations.