Cost Surface Analysis
Definition
Cost Surface Analysis is a GIS technique used to determine the most efficient path or area based on accumulated 'costs' across a surface. These costs may represent distance, time, energy, slope, land use, or other user-defined resistance factors. The output is a raster surface where each cell holds a cumulative cost value from a source location, allowing identification of least-cost paths or areas for intervention.
Application
Urban planners use cost surface analysis to plan optimal routes for roads or pipelines while minimizing environmental impact. Conservationists map wildlife corridors that avoid high-risk zones. Emergency responders model evacuation or access paths considering terrain and obstacles. GIS analysts combine multiple layers (e.g., land cover, elevation, infrastructure) into a single cost surface using weighted overlays and cost distance tools. Outputs include least-cost paths, accessibility zones, or suitability maps that inform spatial decisions.
FAQ
What factors can influence a cost surface?
Factors include slope, vegetation, road quality, barriers, distance, and user-assigned weights.
How is cost surface analysis applied in disaster planning?
To find the safest and fastest routes for evacuation or resource delivery in emergencies.
What are common outputs of cost surface modeling?
Least-cost paths, cost-distance rasters, and accessibility zones.
Which GIS tools support this analysis?
ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, QGIS Processing Toolbox, GRASS GIS, and IDRISI are commonly used.
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