Hierarchical location-allocation modeling based on spatial interaction

Location-allocation (LA) models locate facilities and allocate demand to them providing the highest possible convenience for patrons. Some facility systems can be conceived of as having hierarchical structure. The traditional LA approach (the p-median model) fails to consider the actual patron travel patterns in spatial hierarchies. In this thesis I apply spatial interaction (SI) theory within an LA analysis to overcome this problem. I apply a recently developed SI approach to hierarchical LA modeling. I formulate and test the SI-based LA model and also demonstrate the simultaneous optimization of the spatial configuration and structure of the hierarchy.