Addressing spatial heterogeneity and MAUP in urban transport geography: A multi-scale analysis of accessibility and warehouse location

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate spatial interplay between the siting of urban warehouses and accessibility within Fortaleza, Brazil, employing Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) across varied Basic Spatial Units (BSUs). It unveils a nuanced relationship between the density of warehouses and accessibility, marked by significant variations across BSUs. The findings highlight distinct spatial distributions for large and small warehouses: large warehouses tend to aggregate near key transport arteries for strategic benefits, whereas small warehouses are more evenly dispersed throughout the city. The study accentuates the critical role of transportation, land use, temporal, and individual accessibility components in influencing warehouse density. These revelations are pivotal for shaping urban transport policies, indicating the need for finely calibrated, location-specific interventions to tackle the complexities introduced by warehouse locations on urban accessibility and operational efficiency. By shedding light on the nuanced spatial dynamics between warehouse locations and accessibility factors, this study paves the way for fostering more effective urban freight transport solutions, advocating for policies tailored to the unique demands and characteristics of urban environments.