Application of advanced hybrid genetic algorithms for optimal locations of high school

Abstract

In this study, an advanced hybrid genetic algorithms is formulated and applied to the optimal location of high schools in a rural area of Bangladesh. The advanced hybrid algorithms consist of genetic algorithm and alternating location allocation algorithm. The model is applied to Nakhla Upazila (a sub-district area) of Bangladesh as a case study. First, the genetic algorithm is used to generate optimum locations of high schools and then coded with the traditional alternating location allocation heuristic thus avoiding very long computation time. Obtained simulation results indicate that existing high schools are not well distributed and they are far from residential areas. The developed hybrid algorithm based model successfully shows the best locations of high schools in the Nakhla Upazilla minimizing the total amount of travel distance from the different zones of Nakhla Upazila to the school sites and thus provide a safe travel for children. The results have an implication for a good urban planning in context of placing schools optimally within walking distance of a neighborhood The model thus developed can be applied by planners as a useful tool for any location analysis. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.