9320126 MILLER The proposed research address two major issues: (1) the relationships between spatial search and locational factors such as accessibility and (2) the effect of these relationships on market area structure. Both of these issues are fundamental to location theory. The project will develop probabilistic simulation models run on a supercomputer. The use of simulation models for this research provides the potential to include more realistic assumptions into location theory. In the first phase of the research the analysis will focus on the interactions between spatial search and spatial competition for the controlled case of the single searcher confronted with competing retail facilities. In the second phase retail stores will compete for a spatially dispersed, multiple customer base. Of particular interest is the effect of spatial search on the structure of market areas. Existing results in the literature suggest that search behavior can have complex, and unexpected, influences on facility patronage patterns. This research will have a significant impact on location theory through its novel approach to integrating models of search and competition. Although the immediate impact of this research is on location theory, it should also provide guidance for the types of questions and the techniques used for the empirical analysis of spatial search behavior.
