Modelling Inter-city Road Distances by Mathematical Functions

Abstract

This study describes an analysis of seven distance functions with reference to their ability to estimate road distances between cities. The optimal parameters of each function are determined in relation to two samples of data, using two distinct goodness-of-fit criteria. A set of general statistical methods were chosen and applied to the comparison of the estimating power of the functions. Some properties of the l _p distance function are also given with reference to its use in facilities location models.