Open-source geospatial software for location cover models

Location cover models are aimed at siting facilities in order to provide efficient service to demand. These models play a crucial role in the strategic planning and management of service systems. For this reason, they have been incorporated in various geographical information systems software packages. Although open-source tools are promising for location cover modelling, there is a lack of comprehensive review of these tools. This paper presents a critical review of the open-source tools that support location cover models in terms of assumptions, solution approach, and computing performance. A case study of store location planning in San Francisco is used to highlight comparative aspects of performance