Emergency service location study for city of Famagusta in geographic information system

ABSTRACT: In this study the location selection process related to fire stations in Famagusta city has been enhanced by applying Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) and Python programming language. This procedure led to obtaining the optimum emergency service location based on the minimization of response time. This study aims to commence service coverage modeling in a consistent demand region, with road availability considerations. On the other hand, this study concentrated on the capability of GIS to create service areas by means of the travel time regions in a facility location model named the maximal service area problem (MSAP). This model is referred to emergency facilities for the situation where accessibility is the main requirement. The purpose of this model (MSAP) is to maximize the overall service area of a determined number of facilities. Moreover, this study aims to state the capability of GIS to establish the suitable service areas of fire stations in Famagusta city and for achieving a maximal overall service area from a specific fire station facilities based on three alternatives. In this study three alternatives are assigned in this study including (a) Defining the best location for only one fire station in city, (b) Defining the best location for 1 fire station when several other fire stations are also located in the city and (c) Defining the best location when two fire stations are active concurrently. According to this study, when only one fire station in city is assumed, nodes 230 and 231that placed around the signalized intersection joining Mustafa Kemal Boulevard and Topçular Boulevard in Gazimağusa are the most important. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………