A GIS-aided method for analyzing locational factor of retail stores on a road network

Abstract

In order to evaluate locational factors of retail stores, nearest neighbour distance (=NND) method is used in network analysis, in which (1) all physical facilities in the real world are confined by their locations on a road network and (2) distances are defined by the shortest distance measured along that road network. Using a GIS system, Network NND method is applied to a practical problem to examine to what extent the infrastructural facilities influence on the distribution of retail stores in Nishinomiya city. The main results are : (1) all kinds of retail store locate near railroad stations and (2) boutiques especially tend to locate near stations, while car dealers, gas stands, and daily food stores locate relatively far from stations.