Grand Challenges

Abstract

The main objective in writing this text was to describe many of the developments in location science that have been proposed, modeled, and applied using a covering framework. Covering models are based upon the use of some standard of service, ranging from a maximal response time standard in locating ambulances to a minimal decibel standard used in placing warning sirens. Many covering problems can broadly be classified into two types: (1) cover each and every demand using the smallest number of facilities, the Location Set Covering Problem (LSCP); or (2) maximize the demand that is covered while locating a fixed number of facilities, the Maximal Covering Location Problem (MCLP). These two problems and related models emerged in the early 1970s and have formed the basis for a considerable portion of this book. Applications have involved the location of surveillance cameras, cell phone towers, fire stations, health clinics, ambulances, and sirens, just to name a few. They have even included the selection of biological reserve sites, designing teeth color shades, and laying out fabric cutting patterns. Altogether, the location science literature reflects a rich history and long term development of covering models, involving the fields of geography, engineering, business, computer science, health planning, environmental science, conservation biology, regional science and economics, and urban planning.