Site Selection for a Pharmacy - Kekirawa DS Division

Project Overview

This project identifies the most suitable location for a new pharmacy in the Kekirawa DS Division, Sri Lanka. Using ArcGIS Model Builder, spatial analysis incorporates population density, healthcare accessibility, transport networks, competitor locations, and urban proximity.

Study Area

The study area is the Kekirawa Divisional Secretariat Division in Sri Lanka, encompassing urban and rural communities. Key features include settlements, hospitals, government buildings, dispensaries, main roads, lakes, and agricultural areas.

Data Sources

DS Division Boundary – Survey Department of Sri Lanka
Road Network and Transportation Infrastructure
Hospitals, Clinics, and Dispensaries
Population Distribution & Demographics
Land Use (Agricultural & Water Bodies)
City Limit of Kekirawa

Methodology

Buffer analysis for settlements, hospitals, roads, dispensaries, and city limits
Identification of unsuitable areas (lakes, agricultural areas)
Model Builder workflow using Append & Erase tools to combine buffers
Spatial suitability mapping to determine optimal pharmacy location
Visualization with thematic map, labels, legend, and symbology

Model Builder Workflow

The Model Builder workflow automates geoprocessing steps including buffer creation, feature combination, and suitability assessment to identify the optimal pharmacy site.

Site Selection Map

The map highlights suitable areas for establishing a pharmacy based on population density, accessibility, competitor presence, and urban proximity. Areas in yellow represent the optimal site identified through the GIS analysis.

Key Observations

Optimal pharmacy site located within Kekirawa city limit
Accessibility analysis ensures proximity to main roads and hospitals
Competitor analysis identifies low-saturation areas for new pharmacy
Unsuitable areas (lakes, agricultural zones) excluded from selection

Tools & Skills

ArcGIS Desktop
Model Builder for automated geoprocessing
Buffer and spatial analysis techniques
Thematic map creation and visualization

Conclusion

Using Model Builder in ArcGIS, this project successfully identifies a suitable pharmacy location in Kekirawa DS Division. The analysis integrates multiple spatial criteria, demonstrating GIS as a powerful tool for evidence-based site selection in healthcare planning.