Using GIS to Optimize Rescue for Critical Regions Through Road Networks (Case Study: Yazd Province)

In the event of a crisis, appropriate decisions for helping the crisis regions play an important role in reducing life and financial loss. This paper aimed at using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize relief to critical regions that are required specified resources by vehicles on road networks of the country. To meet this goal, network analysis including optimum path finding and optimal resource allocation are needed. The optimum path between rescue stations and critical regions is achieved by taking the travel time as the weight of road. Moreover, the optimal resource allocation is obtained by introducing a proposed objective function with minimizing time and cost criteria. Both data management and presenting of the results are accomplished by the GIS. As a prototype system, the proposed approach is implemented and assessed in Yazd province.