Optimal spatial partitioning for resource allocation

Spatial partitioning consists of the problem of finding the best segmentation of an area under specific conditions. The final goal is to identify parts of the area where a number of resources could be allocated. Such cases are common in disaster management scenarios. In this paper, we consider such a scenario and propose a methodology for the resource allocation for emergency response. We utilize an intelligent technique that is based on the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. We define the problem by giving specific formulations and describe the proposed algorithm. Moreover, we provide a method for separating the area into cells and describe a technique for calculating cell weights based on the underlying spatial data. Finally, we present a case study for allocating a number of ambulances and give numerical results concerning the run time and the total coverage of the examined area.