How to make a straight line square

Network analysis and least cost paths have long been the dominion of vector GIS. The research of this thesis for the Msc in GIS explores the topic of network analysis in raster GIS, using MFworks as example software. Current algorithms, procedures and network modelling techniques are investigated and common artefacts are explained.

Conclusions

An extension of Tomlin’s directional identifiers is proposed, allowing the modelling of non-planar features. Along with this, the integration of time- dependent travel cost variables is achieved through linking MFworks with an external Visual Basic application for updating the cost-of-passage surface, demonstrating that such interaction extends the inherent capabilities of a GIS engine. Another conclusion to be drawn from this paper is that network analysis in raster GIS is a variant of surface analysis.

Download

Read the full thesis (pdf, 3.5MB)

Reference

Husdal, J. (2000). How to make a straight line square. Network Analysis in Raster GIS with time-dependent cost variables. Unpublished. Thesis for the MSc in GIS at the University of Leicester, UK.