Optimized Location of Gas Stations using Mathematical Programming and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Case Study of City of Mashhad

One of the most important points about gas stations is their suitable and appropriate location. The aim of this project is to determine the appropriate number and location of gas stations by utilization of mathematical programming model, in a way that these stations have the best services. In this research, the City of Mashhad was chosen as the study area. Mashhad is divided into 13 urban districts and 141 traffic zones. Mashhad city is selected for this project. Information and specifications regarding the traffic background of Mashhahd was collected and then organized within GISenvironment. Also on the basis of gas consumption in a particular period and considering some specific circumstances, the number of the required gas stations was calculated. In order to study the serviceability of the districts where the gas stations are built, the potentiality of each district was defined and calculated, using some specific scenarios. The mathematical site selection model was defined on the basis of the maximum serviceability potentials of districts and solved by Lingo Software, and the best serviceable districts were chosen. Finally the selective districts prioritization was presented in the framework of some assumed scenarios in GIS environment.