Network Analyst: Creating Network Datasets

The network analyst is responsible for creating network datasets that can be used for routing, locations, and other purposes. A network dataset is a collection of data that describes the geometry and connectivity of a network. The network analyst creates this dataset by first constructing a topology, which defines the relationships between the features in the dataset. The topology defines how the features are connected and how they interact with each other. After the topology has been constructed, the network analyst can then create the network dataset by adding the features and their associated connectivity information to the dataset.

The network analyst has a variety of tools at their disposal for creating network datasets. These tools include:

Topology Builder: The topology builder is a tool that allows the user to construct a topology. The topology builder consists of a series of wizard-like dialogs that guide the user through the process of creating a topology.

Network Dataset Wizard: The network dataset wizard is a tool that guides the user through the process of creating a network dataset. The wizard asks the user to specify the type of network they want to create, and then prompts the user for information about the features and connectivity of the network.

Network Analyst Toolbox: The Network Analyst toolbox is a set of tools that are used to analyze networks. The toolbox contains tools for performing routing, finding locations, and solving other types of problems that can be represented as networks.

Once a network dataset has been created, it can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to find routes between two locations, or to find nearby facilities such as gas stations or restaurants. Network datasets can also be used to perform service area analysis, which is used to determine what areas are served by a given facility.