International Association of Scientific Innovation and Research (IASIR)
(An Association Unifying the Sciences, Engineering, and Applied Research)
International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Computational
and Applied Sciences (IJETCAS)
www.iasir.net
IJETCAS 13-353; © 2013, IJETCAS All Rights Reserved Page 289
ISSN (Print): 2279-0047
ISSN (Online): 2279-0055
Network Analysis Using GIS
Praveen Kumar Rai, Prince Kumar Singh, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Kshitij Mohan
Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi-221005, India
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Abstract: Network Analysis helps in identifying optimum locations for services to be provided. In the present
study, hospitals and road in part of Varanasi city area have been selected for network Analysis. Complicated
networks of roads require analysis to improve the movement of people, goods, services and the flow of
resources. To demonstrate the use of network analysis, this paper focused on determining the optimal
route between two or more destinations based on a specific travel expense. Geographical Information
System (GIS) software is used to determine the quickest way or the shortest way between those locations.
The attribute data of the road network is collected to develop the database of road network and an
optimum route. An optimal route representing the total cost of route in meters as well as in minutes are
developed. The result of analysis includes the directions to travel on that route.
Keywords: Network Analysis, Attribute data, GIS, IKONOS data, Varanasi.
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I. Introduction
The Transportation System is a critical component of urban infrastructure and the lifeline of the city. It plays a
key role in the economic growth of that region. It also displays region's economic condition as well as planners'
dedication for their region. An efficient route planning and accessibility facilitate sustainable development.
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is more useful in management functions and decision support
systems which are more helpful in the planning process of urbanization. Instead of finding the optimal solutions
for urban problems, bold approaches must be developed on the usage of heuristic problems, making it capable of
supporting the dynamic requirements of the urbanization. According to that when the spatial entity is associated
with the non-spatial attributes; it can be useful to achieve the sustainable infrastructure planning or strategy [1].
This is a key factor for applying GIS technology as a tool in supporting transportation network analysis or
planning. In the GIS platform, the database of transportation network is normally extended by integrated with
attribute and spatial data [2][3]. As roads are the only means of transport available to the urban settlements, it
plays an important role in the comprehensive development of a society. It acts as the lifeline of the urban
economy and society. Urban transport network is very prominent sector for the growth of urbanization. The
urban growth includes all aspects of development including settlements, education, industries, trade and other
facilities and these all facilities depends on good transportation network [3]. In transportation planning by using
GIS applications, mapping tools for a primary data like toposheet as well as the Satellite and airborne images
can be used. The various applications of GIS can be used for identification of road network area and change
detection in road. It can also be used to detect the distance between the one place to another place. It not only
detects the distance but also used to show the shortest path between two or more than places [4]. These
applications of GIS can be used in traffic control to generate the traffic control mechanism that provide fastest
route. The traditional planning is not sufficient in urban transport [4]. The new approaches have to be used to
present or identify serious issues on planning or analyzing urban transport network in a scientific way.
II. Literature Review
The Line feature is more important in the maps, because it represents a major map feature. There are many GIS
software that provides a Line Feature Generalization facility. The geometric operations are involved in this
generalization like selection, merge, symbolization, elimination etc. But there is no proper definition for
generalization. In Arc GIS 9.3, a point remove tool uses Douglas-Peucker (DP) algorithm. This algorithm is
most popular algorithm, which is used in many applications like Road, river, coastal line generalization [5].
The following operations are required to generalize a road network.
Classification: It identifies an object and makes groups according to properties. For easier selection and more
accurate roads depends on the good classification. It minimizes the complexity. Ex. road width.
Selection: Select particular road class at the target scale.
Elimination: Eliminate shorter road of a certain length.
Simplification: selected roads can be simplified to reduce the details. Ex. Remove extraneous bends of roads.
Typification: This is manual editing approach. It reduces the Network density and simplifies the distribution
and the pattern of the network.
Symbolization: To represent features on maps, graphic marks are used. Ex. Road Name, Road Number.
Role of Transportation Network Model and Network Analys is in transportation system (road network system)