Distance Analysis: Identifying Optimal Paths Using Rasters

Determining how far or how close something is, is a basic consideration in GIS decisions. This session covers performing distance analysis using Spatial Analyst. You will learn how to measure straight line and cost distance from sources, create a cost surface, and produce least-cost paths or an optimum network of paths between sources. Directionality and the new tools that produce more accurate results will be covered. We will demystify how the shortest, surface, cost, and geodesic distances, barriers, and the source characteristics integrate to determine the optimal distances and paths.