Spatial Distribution of Fuel Stations in Al-Marj City Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

The study concluded that the spatial distribution of fuel stations in Al-Marj is heterogeneous, with a relative concentration within the urban area and along major roads. The spatial analyses indicate that station locations are strongly associated with urban development and road networks. Buffer analysis revealed overlapping service areas in some central locations, while some peripheral areas showed relatively lower coverage. Kernel Density analysis identified a major high-density cluster in the central part of the city. The Nearest Neighbor Analysis produced a ratio of 1.43, indicating a statistically significant dispersed spatial pattern. The findings highlight the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in evaluating the spatial efficiency of fuel-station distribution and supporting future planning decisions.