A SPATIAL APPROACH TO MODELING SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER LOCATIONS USING TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

This article investigates the critical task of determining optimal locations for public service centers by developing and testing a GIS-based methodology for spatial placement evaluation. The study analyzes the centroids of vernacular (informal) neighborhoods, comparing traditional Euclidean distance metrics with network-based isochrone accessibility. While most conventional models rely on simplified geometric methods that ignore actual road networks, physical barriers, and the specific socio-spatial characteristics of vernacular neighborhoods, this research incorporates real-world infrastructure constraints using QGIS Desktop. Methodologically, the study combines neighborhood centroid analysis, regional geographic center calculations, and road network isochrone generation for both pedestrian and vehicular transit modes to evaluate maximum travel times. The findings demonstrate that relying solely on Euclidean distance is highly insufficient for planning social infrastructure when actual travel time acts as a critical operational factor. Isochrone analysis, despite requiring higher computational complexity, provides significantly more reliable results and should be prioritized in municipal planning. Furthermore, a well-balanced placement of social service centers reduces spatial inequality within cities, improving accessibility for vulnerable demographic groups–including the elderly and individuals with limited mobility–thereby fostering a more equitable urban environment. Ultimately, these insights offer clear practical utility for local governments, urban planners, and logistics providers seeking to maximize public welfare and optimize sustainable infrastructure distribution.