Skip to main content
Log in

Exact and approximate solutions to the multisource weber problem

  • Published:
Mathematical Programming Submit manuscript

Abstract

The problem considered is the choice of locations form sources so as to minimize the sum of weighted distances betweenn fixed sinks and the source closest to each sink. The weights represent the amounts to be shipped between the sinks and their respective sources; the allowable source locations are free of restriction. An algorithm for the approximate solution of the problem, and computational experience with it, are discussed first. A branch-and-bound algorithm for exact solution of the problem is then developed, and computational experience with it is described.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. N. Agin, “Optimum seeking with branch-and-bound,”Management Science 13 (1966) B176-B185.

    Google Scholar 

  2. R. Bellman, “An application of dynamic programming to location-allocation problems,”SIAM Review 7 (1965) 126–128.

    Google Scholar 

  3. L. Cooper, “Location-allocation problems,”Operations Research 11 (1963) 331–343.

    Google Scholar 

  4. L. Cooper, “Heuristic methods for location-allocation problems,”SIAM Review 6 (1964) 37–52.

    Google Scholar 

  5. L. Cooper, “Solutions of generalized locational equilibrium models,”Journal of Regional Science 7 (1967) 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  6. C.H. Deetz and O.S. Adams,Elements of map projection, U.S. Department of Commerce, Special Publication # 68, Fifth Edition, Washington, D.C., 1945.

  7. S. Eilon, and C.D.T. Watson-Gandy, “Models for determining depot location,” Imperial College of Science and Technology Report No. 69/4.

  8. R.E. Kuenne and R.M. Soland,The multisource Weber problem: Exact solutions by branch and bound, IDA Economic Series, Institute for Defense Analyses, Arlington, Va., 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  9. H.W. Kuhn and R.E. Kuenne, “An efficient algorithm for the numerical solution of the generalized Weber problem in spatial economics,”Journal of Regional Science 4 (1962) 21–33.

    Google Scholar 

  10. E.L. Lawler and D.E. Wood, “Branch and bound methods: a survey,”Operations Research 14 (1966) 699–719.

    Google Scholar 

  11. W. Miehle, “Link-length minimization in networks,”Operations Research 6 (1958) 232–243.

    Google Scholar 

  12. L.G. Mitten, “Branch and bound methods: general formulation and properties,”Operations Research 18 (1970) 24–34.

    Google Scholar 

  13. J. Ponstein, “Seven kinds of convexity,”SIAM Review 9 (1967) 115–119.

    Google Scholar 

  14. United States Census of Population, 1960, U.S. Summary, Number of Inhabitants, Washington, D.C.

  15. A. Weber,Über den Standort der Industrien (Tübingen, 1909). [Translated as: “Alfred Weber's theory of the location of industries” (University of Chicago, 1929).]

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

For a more detailed discussion of the analyses contained in the present paper, the computational results, and for detailed program listings, the reader is referred to [8]. Tapes for the two programs discussed in the present paper are available at cost of reproduction from Program Analysis Division, Institute for Defense Analyses, Arlington, Virginia.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kuenne, R.E., Soland, R.M. Exact and approximate solutions to the multisource weber problem. Mathematical Programming 3, 193–209 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01584989

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01584989

Keywords

Navigation