Geospatial Approach to Route Optimisation for Security Architecture Improvement

Abstract

Understanding the complexity of road networks is tiring, especially in finding the optimum routes for emergency response. Dynamic  route optimisation is a decision-making process powered by mathematical models to formulate a strong basis for predicting the best  path between any two points in a road network. Exploring the numerous interconnected routes in and out of a road network provides a  strong foothold for securing lives and properties. This study presents the findings of route optimisation at the Federal University of  Technology Minna, Gidan Kwano Campus. High Target Differential Global Positioning System receiver (DGPS), Handheld GPS (Garmin GPSmap 60Cx), Quick Bird Satellite Imagery, and Google Earth Images were used for data acquisition purposes. An ArcGIS network  analyst for optimum route identification based on Dijktra’s algorithm was utilised for analysis. Five different optimisation tests were done  and the optimised routes were compared with alternative routes from the network. The total travel distances for alternative and  optimum routes are 11852.414 m and 16614.156 m respectively while the total travel times for alternative and optimum routes are  2135.35 s and 2993.25 s respectively. The study revealed all optimum routes are faster cumulatively by (11.7%) and are best for security  and emergency responses. Ten unauthorised access roads to the campus were identified. The number of routes paving access to the  campus shows that efforts towards ensuring security must be increased.