Spatial Search and Spatial Competition

9320126 Miller建议的研究涉及两个主要问题：(1)空间搜索与区位因素(如可访问性)之间的关系，以及(2)这些关系对市场区域结构的影响。这两个问题都是区位理论的基础。该项目将开发在超级计算机上运行的概率模拟模型。模拟模型的使用为这项研究提供了将更现实的假设纳入区位理论的可能性。在研究的第一阶段，对于单个搜索者面对竞争的零售设施的受控案例，将重点分析空间搜索和空间竞争之间的相互作用。在第二阶段，零售店将争夺空间分散的多个客户群。特别令人感兴趣的是空间搜索对市场区域结构的影响。现有文献中的结果表明，搜索行为可能会对设施光顾模式产生复杂的、意想不到的影响。这项研究将通过其整合搜索和竞争模型的新方法，对区位理论产生重大影响。虽然这项研究的直接影响是对区位理论的影响，但它也应该为空间搜索行为的实证分析所使用的问题类型和技术提供指导。

9320126 MILLER The proposed research address two major issues: (1) the relationships between spatial search and locational factors such as accessibility and (2) the effect of these relationships on market area structure. Both of these issues are fundamental to location theory. The project will develop probabilistic simulation models run on a supercomputer. The use of simulation models for this research provides the potential to include more realistic assumptions into location theory. In the first phase of the research the analysis will focus on the interactions between spatial search and spatial competition for the controlled case of the single searcher confronted with competing retail facilities. In the second phase retail stores will compete for a spatially dispersed, multiple customer base. Of particular interest is the effect of spatial search on the structure of market areas. Existing results in the literature suggest that search behavior can have complex, and unexpected, influences on facility patronage patterns. This research will have a significant impact on location theory through its novel approach to integrating models of search and competition. Although the immediate impact of this research is on location theory, it should also provide guidance for the types of questions and the techniques used for the empirical analysis of spatial search behavior.