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5221 - SS 2017
Assignment 2
Date: 21.03.2017
Handed in by:
Maciej Filipek, h0302525
Handed in for:
Ass.Prof. Mag.Dr. Petra Staufer-Steinnocher
ArcGIS Network Analysis Tool Review
ArcGIS comes with the Network Analyst (NA) extension as a standard module. What is more, that a
third party extension, the WiGeoNetwork (WNR), can also be installed. This report has been
compiled to review both analysts for their unique purposes. The application areas involve the same
features (only named differently) of both solver extensions to optimize certain scenarios that have to
do with spatial analysis.
It depends strongly on the imposed problem, which analyst to use. When it comes to routing, the NA
can handle moderate multimodal networks. When it comes to huge networks (Europe-Multinet) the
NA suffers from memory loss, due to an overflow of iterations. The WGN does not save or backup
those iterations. Only the optimal solutions are stored. Therefore, larger transportation problems are
better solved in WGN. The downside of the WNR is that the solutions are stored in a shapefile.
Therefore, the application of further analysis results in running the WNR again. The NA has more
options when it comes to flexibility. As an example the problem of humanitarian supply chain the NA
can implement polygon reductions, which the WNR has issues with. Overall the NA is more flexible
when it comes to alternation of scenarios. In addition to this NA is able to work with the model
toolbox in ArcGIS, which imposes easier implementation of datasets. However, for operational
purposes the WGN relies on the TomTom real time traffic information (Speed profiles). The NA
cannot perform this task without additional APIs.
Complexity of Problem
Userfriendly
Ressource usage
Flexibility
Overall
To conclude, both analysts are powerfull. However, the WNR is more userfriendly and provides the
user with faster results. Whereas the NA is suitable for more complex issues. Furthermore, the
ressource allocation is a disadvantage. For managerial purposes it depends on the case which solver
to use. Regarding overall performance the WNR has only little advantage oder the NA.