Introduction
Network analysis is a practice for projects that focuses in transport and communication applications, which let you create maps that represent roads and targets to help gain an overview of the area, make navigation and movement more efficient. It is commonly used by the traffic police and rescue services because it allow them to determine the fastest route to the accident site.
In this project I will demonstrate the difference between buffer analysis and service area analysis. Both methods will be applied around 5 locations for bring bank recycling points (BBRP). BBRP are located in the town of Eastbourne, which covers an area of 12,206.31 hectares and has a population of 131,899. For this project I will cover the area and number of population within 1 km of each BBPR. Through the use of both network analysis methods, I will be able to explain the difference between the service area analysis and buffer analysis.
Data source
The data used for this project were obtained from the University of Brighton Student Centre and then processed using ArcGIS.
Applying both methods
Buffer analysis is used to create a radius around a point that can identify objectives within a certain range from the center (Curtin, 2007). For example, in this project the buffer analysis will help me identify the surroundings within 1 KM from the center of the BBRP. The limitation of this practice is that it doesn't consider the roads and streets but rather a direct measurement of the distance that can cut through roads. Perhaps you have a helicopter! I am using it to demonstrate the difference between this method and the service area analysis methods.
Service Area analysis is another option to gaining some insights about the area within 1 km of the centre of BBRP. Unlike buffer analysis, service area analysis consider the roads and streets when measuring the 1 km distance. which mean that this analysis will represent a more accurate representation of the BBRP accessibility. In the map below you can see a comparison between the results of buffer and service area analysis.
Conclusion and results
Looking at the 5 sites, the radius present the buffer analysis and the highlight inside of it represent the service area analysis. As represented in the map and charts, buffer method covers more population and area per BBRP than the service area method. This is because of its direct measurement from the center of the BBRP, which cross over roads and streets. Service area on the other hand consider roads and street when measuring the distance. This is not to say that service area is a superior method, but rather to illustrate that both practice can serve different purposes. For example when it comes to accessibility then service area will perform better but if you want to know the number of population within a certain radius then buffer might serve you better. It really depends what questions you want answer, network analysis is a powerful practice and can be used in many disciplines, I hope you find this projects to be insightful.
Comments