Spatial accessibility analysis of schools using geospatial techniques

The main objective of the present study is to enhance the accessibility facilities for local public to educational centers in Tiruchirappalli City. For this approach, the existing K-12 schools, Census tracts and road network were spatially plotted using the techniques of geospatial system. Spatial accessibility index is computed using Three-step floating catchment area (3SFCA) method. The findings indicate (39%) of catchment area has been shortage of education facilities. The index of 3SFCA and its spatial pattern has been compared, validated using enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method. The incorporated Gaussian weight of 3SFCA clearly reduces the high estimate of demand problem of the study area. Through 3SFCA and E2SFCA, the number of wards observed to be shortage is 14 and 26 respectively. Overall, the analysis concludes that 3SFCA is an effective method in spatial planning of educational facilities. In future, this study enables the urban planners and decision makers to maximize spatial accessibility by establishing a new facility and improve the existing facilities in shortage region.