Journal article
A synthesis of aggregation methods for multifacility location problems: Strategies for containing error
Geographical analysis, Vol.31(1), pp.67-87
1999
DOI: 10.1111/gean.1999.31.1.67
Abstract
When solving a location problem using aggregated units to represent demand, it is well known that the process of aggregation introduces error. Research has focussed on individual components of error, with little work on identifying and controlling total error. We provide a focussed review of some of this literature and suggest a strategy for controlling total error. Consideration of alternative criteria for evaluating aggregation schemes shows that the method selected should be compatible with the objectives of the analyses in which it is used. Experiments are described that show that two different measures of error are related in a nonlinear way to the number of aggregate demand points (q), for any value of the number of facilities (p). We focus on the parameter q/p and show that it is critical for determining the expected severity of the error. Many practical implementations of location algorithms operate within the range of q/p where the rate of change of error with respect to q/p is highest.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A synthesis of aggregation methods for multifacility location problems: Strategies for containing error
- Creators
- Richard L. Francis - University of FloridaTimothy J. Lowe - University of IowaGerard RushtonM. Brenda Rayco - Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Geographical analysis, Vol.31(1), pp.67-87
- DOI
- 10.1111/gean.1999.31.1.67
- ISSN
- 0016-7363
- eISSN
- 1538-4632
- Number of pages
- 21
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1999
- Academic Unit
- Health Management and Policy; Business Analytics
- Record Identifier
- 9984963210902771
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