lication

Lication is a term used in urban analytics and location-based sciences to describe the process of combining geospatial data with statistical models to identify optimal locations for services, facilities, or networks. In practice, lication encompasses data collection, geocoding, spatial analysis, and scenario testing to support decision making.

Origin and usage: The term has appeared in professional reports and academic articles since the early 2010s, often as a shorthand for location intelligence workflows. It is closely related to but distinct from location intelligence, spatial analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS), with lication emphasizing the modeling and decision-support aspect.

Methodology: Core components include data governance, integration of diverse geospatial datasets, demand modeling, constraints specification, and the use of optimization or simulation algorithms. Outputs typically include maps showing proposed sites or coverage, metrics on demand coverage or service levels, and recommended placements or configurations.

Applications: Lication is used across multiple sectors, including urban planning, retail site selection, logistics and route optimization, emergency response, telecommunications network design, and public health resource allocation. It supports both strategic decisions and operational planning by providing scenario-based insights.

Limitations and considerations: Analyses depend on data quality, timeliness, and privacy considerations. Results are influenced by model assumptions and may require stakeholder validation. Because there is no single universal standard, definitions and practices of lication can vary between organizations and disciplines.

See also: location intelligence, GIS, spatial analytics.