Resource Allocation

Feature Description

Resource allocation is an analysis to determine which resource demand objects (nodes and arcs) different supply centers will provide services according to the supply amount and the demand of resources from edges and nodes.

Steps

  1. Open the network dataset to be analyzed.
  2. In the "Transport Analysis" Tab, check the "Environment Settings" checkbox in the "Route Analysis" group. The "Environment Settings" window will pop up. Set basic parameters for network analysis (such as weight field, node/edge ID field), analyst result parameters, and trace analysis parameters (only required for trace analysis) in this window. For details about the environment settings window, see Network Analysis Environment Settings Window.
  3. Create a new resource allocation instance. In the "Transport Analysis" Tab, click the gallery drop-down button in the "Route Analysis" group, and select "Resource Allocation" from the dropdown. After successful creation, the Instance Manager window will automatically appear, and the mouse cursor will switch to drawing mode to add center points.
  4. Add center points to the current network layer. Center points (resource supply centers) are facilities providing resources/services. Two methods are available:
    • Add centers by mouse

      Click the "Add by Mouse" button in the Instance Manager toolbar. The map enters drawing mode - click appropriate positions to add centers. Each added point will appear in the center point list of the Instance Manager. Right-click to finish. Note: Ensure proper node tolerance settings. Clicking outside node tolerance may cause addition failure.

    • Import centers

      Import a point dataset from the current workspace as centers. In the Instance Manager window, right-click the "Centers" node in the directory tree and select "Manage Center Stop" to open the dialog. Use import commands to add centers and configure parameters. For details, see the Manage Center Stop window.

      Note: To delete a center, select it and choose "Remove" from the context menu or press Delete.

  5. In the Network Analysis Instance Manager window, click the "Parameter Settings" button to open the "Allocate Parameter Settings" dialog:
    • Resource allocation mode:
      • Node and Edge Demand: Considers both node and edge demands.
      • Node Demand: Only considers node resource demands.
      • Edge Demand: Only considers edge resource demands.
    • Node Demand Field: Select a field from the dropdown. Available only when mode is Node Demand or Node and Edge Demand.
    • Edge Demand Field: Select a field from the dropdown. Available only when mode is Edge Demand or Node and Edge Demand.
    • Allow Transpass: Enables resource allocation through service areas of other allocated centers. If unchecked, allocation stops at boundaries of existing service areas.
    • Allocate from Center: When checked, calculation starts from supply centers; unchecked means calculation starts from demand objects (nodes/edges).
  6. After configuring parameters, click the "Execute" button in the "Route Analysis" group or Instance Manager window. Results display immediately and can be saved as:
    • Result Route: Allocation paths from centers to demand points (saved as route dataset).
    • Center Allocation Points: Demand points allocated to centers (saved as CAD dataset with CenterID/CenterName fields). Generated only in Node Demand or Node and Edge Demand modes.
    • Center Allocated Edges: Demand edges allocated to centers (saved as CAD dataset with CenterID/CenterName fields). Generated only in Edge Demand or Node and Edge Demand modes.
Caution:
  • Resource allocation centers must be fixed centers to participate in analysis. Non-centers can receive resources but cannot supply them. Convert non-centers to fixed centers via the Manage Center Stop dialog.
  • Centers must be located on network nodes to be added to the network layer.

Related Topics

Location Allocation Overview

Location Allocation