Lähelläoloanalyysi

Lähelläoloanalyysi, known in English as proximity analysis, is a spatial analysis technique used to determine the relationship between features based on their distance. It is a fundamental tool in geographic information systems (GIS) and various fields such as urban planning, environmental science, and logistics. The core idea is to measure how close or far apart different spatial entities are.

Commonly, proximity analysis involves calculating distances from a set of features to other features. This can include finding the nearest feature of a certain type to a given point, determining how many features fall within a specified radius, or creating buffer zones around features. Buffering, for instance, generates an area around a feature extending a certain distance, which is useful for identifying areas affected by an event or accessible within a timeframe.

The applications of lähelläoloanalyysi are diverse. In urban planning, it can be used to assess the accessibility of services like schools or hospitals to residential areas. Environmental scientists might use it to study the impact of pollution sources on nearby ecosystems. For logistics, it helps in optimizing delivery routes by finding the closest service points or depots. The results of proximity analysis often inform decision-making processes by highlighting spatial relationships that might not be apparent otherwise.