Frontiers of Architectural Research 11 (2022) 846e864

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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Investigating the influential post-disaster

factors in determining the optimal location
of shelters: A case study, Sarpol-e Zahab,
Kermanshah province, Iran
Ali Moghri*, Ahmadreza Khalili

Department of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received 21 November 2021; received in revised form 28 January 2022; accepted 17 February 2022

KEYWORDS Abstract A proper location is one of the most influential factors in shelter performance.
Locating; Although considerable research focuses on finding a suitable site for temporary shelters, only
Temporary shelter; a few address the effect of post-disaster circumstances on discovering the optimal location.
Crisis areas; This study primarily aims to investigate the influential factors in determining a suitable place
Computing; for temporary shelters after a crisis. Therefore, an algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is
Photogrammetric achieved by analyzing and computing the post-crisis urban route and facility accessibility
photos based on photogrammetric photographs taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle/satellite.
ª 2022 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf
of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction dynamics, i.e., changes in the size and structure of human

At present, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban
areas, and this proportion is projected to grow by 68% in
2050. Additional 2.5 billion people are expected to live in
urban areas by 2050 because of urbanization or migration
from rural to urban areas. A large proportion of these
people are in Asia and Africa. The notion of population
populations, has been chiefly disregarded within the
context of risk management and research on natural haz-
ards (Clar et al., 2020; Sukmaningsih et al., 2019). Growing
urban populations present many challenges to various
countries. These challenges include those that are related
to transportation and housing, energy, infrastructure, ed-
ucation, employment, health care, and decent work (UN,

* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: A.moghri89@gmail.com (A. Moghri), Ahmadreza.khalili068@gmail.com (A. Khalili).
Peer review under responsibility of Southeast University.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2022.02.005
2095-2635/ª 2022 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
 Frontiers of Architectural Research 11 (2022) 846e864
2018). The notion of population dynamics also includes the
spatial patterns of population change. These spatial pat-
terns oppose the importance of spatiotemporal risk dy-
namics because urban and metropolitan areas undergo
population growth. By contrast, peripheral, rural, or post-
industrial regions, such as mountain communities, experi-
ence long-term population declines (European Committee
of the Regions, 2016). In most cases, population density is
concentrated in cities. Consequently, disasters that occur
in urban areas with such a large population can result in the
deaths of many people and the destruction of property (Rao
et al., 2019). Another aspect that can be considered is
mental health. The more traumatic a disaster is, the
greater the mental health risks are for the victims. Some
victims are more resilient than others. Older adults are
more at risk than younger adults (Gu et al., 2016; Pollack
et al., 2016). Children are more likely to struggle than
adults (di Gregorio and Soares, 2017; Lieberman and Knorr,
2007). However, adolescents have fewer depressive and/or
PTSD symptoms than adults (Jacobs and Harville, 2015).
Homeowners generally have a strong desire to return,
whereas renters are slightly inclined and often prevented
by their landlords to return to damaged properties (Mitchell
et al., 2012; Peacock et al., 2018; Quarantelli, 1982).
Extreme fatalities were reported in 2020, which was the
costliest disaster year in the 21st century. Approximately
8100 deaths were caused by natural disasters worldwide
(Fig. 1). Statistics from the U.S. Geological Survey state
that the Haitian earthquake of 2010 killed 316,000 people,
injured 300,000 individuals, displaced 1.3 million residents,
destroyed 97,294 homes, and damaged 188,000 other
structures. Moreover, 60% of the hospitals and 88% of the
schools in the country were destroyed (Jaganmohan, 2021).
A disaster is divided into a pre-disaster or proactive
stage (preparation and mitigation) and a post-disaster or
reactive stage (responding and recovering). Disaster man-
agement (DM) includes three stages of activities: prepara-
tion, response, and recovery. Humanitarian Logistics (HL) is
included in one of these stages. HL involves evacuating
people from disaster-stricken areas to safe places, plan-
ning, implementing, and controlling the efficient and cost-
effective flow and storage of goods and materials from their
point of origin into their point of use to relieve the suffering
of vulnerable people (Habib et al., 2016; Sauer et al.,
Fig. 1 The number of deaths from natural disaster events
globally from 2000 to 2020.
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2016). Given the issues mentioned above, one of the most
basic post-disaster measures is establishing a suitable
shelter. Its provision has been described as one of the most
challenging areas of international humanitarian response.
In 2018, the Sphere Handbook of Minimum Standards in
Disaster Response, fourth edition, stated that the shelter is
the essential principle on which those affected by disasters
or conflicts have a right to live with dignity (Sphere
Association, 2018). The facility’s layout in a supply chain
network must be designed based on disaster criteria to
optimize post-disaster relief operations once the location
has been selected.
Profit-making bodies often place facilities to minimise
cost or maximize revenue, whereas public and emergency
services usually place facilities to maximize accessibility
and response time (Shavarani, 2019). Shelter location-
allocation problems have been solved by simplifying the
parameters of many single-objective, multiobjective, hi-
erarchical, and bi-level location models. Considerable
research used facility location models to solve the location
problem of emergency shelters.
Numerous studies investigated the optimal locations for
a humanitarian relief system (Maharjan and Hanaoka, 2018;
Timperio et al., 2017). Some scholars used stochastic dis-
tribution to estimate fluctuations in demand during a post-
disaster period (Tayal and Singh, 2017). Moreover, a typical
bi-level model based on a Stackelberg leader-follower,
noncooperation gameetype model, which consists of two
levels, was used to determine emergency shelter location
and allocation. As part of the model, the planning authority
determines the number and the place of shelters (upper-
level problem), whereas the evacuees decide which shel-
ters and routes to use during evacuation (lower-level
problem) (Karoonsoontawong and Waller, 2006;
Kongsomsaksakul et al., 2005; Liu et al., 2006). Several
evacuation routing problems in transportation networks
were addressed by Stepanov and Smith (2009). The plan’s
effectiveness was evaluated based on measures of clear-
ance time, total distance traveled, and blocking probabil-
ity. All evacuation steps and evacuee behaviors were
considered in the developed model. Thus, their research is
comprehensively considered. A hierarchical capacitated-
median model was developed by Widener and Horner
Fig. 2 Damaged structure and related density map of Sarpol-
e Zahab.
 A. Moghri and A. Khalili
Fig. 3 Shelter and people gathering sites in Sarpol-e Zahab.
(2011). This model was applied to hurricane relief points in
Leon County, Florida, USA. The model is also applicable to
hierarchical location problems in China. XU et al. (2007)
developed a set covering location model for earthquake
disasters using a single objective to minimise the con-
struction cost within the limits of the population during day
and night. In a mixed-integer linear programming model,
Barzinpour and Esmaeili (2013) achieved humanitarian and
financial goals with a virtual-zoning approach. They devel-
oped an optimal algorithm to achieve both goals. Tayal and
Singh (2017) studied facility location problems toward
disaster relief. A facility location project identifies the
most appropriate location in a set of candidates. A multi-
objective hierarchical extension of the maximum coverage
location problem was developed by Paul et al. (2017). It
maximizes population coverage and minimizes changes to
existing facilities.
In the facility location and allocation problem, the ulti-
mate goal is to maximize profits at the lowest possible cost.
Shelters built for disaster victims should have the shortest
evacuation route and the lowest building cost (Zhao et al.,
2015). This work applies the theory in multicriteria deci-
sion making (MCDM) to find answers to the issues because
this method involves multiple attributes and objectives. The
MCDM method involves decision-making when numerous and
conflicting criteria, attributes, or objectives are present.
Hazard risk vulnerability mapping is considered one of
the essential steps in disaster risk reduction because it
identifies vulnerable areas that must be considered in
Fig. 4 Ten days forecast and monthly air temperature average of Sarpol-e Zahab.
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disaster risk management plans (Isma’il and Saanyol, 2013).
Risk mapping visualizes the results of risk assessments on a
map, showing the amount of loss that can be expected in
specific areas for a period due to disaster hazards. Many
publicly funded organizations, nongovernmental organiza-
tions, and companies use vulnerability maps nowadays to
track, analyze, and manage the risks to which they are
exposed (Vargas-Florez et al., 2019). The mapping and
assessment of disasters improve our ability to provide
timely and accurate support for activities, such as evacu-
ation, sheltering, and distribution (Rodrı́guez-Espı́ndola
et al., 2016). They demonstrate how geographical infor-
mation systems can provide information to a model of
location and distribution in disaster situations and DM.
2. Study area and datasets
This project was conducted in Kermanshah Province, Iran.
Satellites equipped with optical sensors and/or SAR
observed the Sarpol-e Zahab area before and after the Iran-
Iraq earthquake. A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Ker-
manshah Province on the evening of November 12, 2017
(IRNA, 2017).
2.1. Case study
Sarpol-e Zahab is a county in Kermanshah Province in
western Iran. The studied region lies between 34
260 and
34
280 N and 45
500 to 45
520 E. The imagery from satellite
data 1 on November 16, 2017, with a resolution of 50 cm,
and the imagery from satellite data 2 on July 24, 2017,
were used to demonstrate the destruction area. The anal-
ysis was accomplished by the United Nations Office for
the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Fig. 2) (UNITAR,
2017).
As reported, Sarpol-e Zahab was the most badly
affected. Thus far, statistics have indicated that 114 af-
tershocks have been registered in the cities and villages of
northwestern Iran. More than 400 people succumbed to the
tragedy, and 6600 were injured (ACAPS, 2017). The reports
indicated that approximately 70,000 people needed emer-
gency shelter. The refugee camps after the displacement
are illustrated in Fig. 3 (UNITAR, 2017a).
The European Center for Medium-Range Weather Fore-
casts (ECMWF) operates (8 km resolution) a 10-day forecast
of air temperature for Sarpol-e Zahab (Fig. 4). As indicated
 Frontiers of Architectural Research 11 (2022) 846e864

Table 1 Different types of shelter and the pros and cons of each.
Type No. Shelter Pros Cons
Solution
Type 1 Family Traditional, Lightweight, Inflexible, Unstable in High winds
Tents Good Headroom, or heavy snow, difficult to heat
Production Capacities.
Type 2 Plastic An essential component Shelters’ support frames, Stick
Sheeting in many relief skeletons can considerably harm
Operations, UV- the environment
resistant, Flexible, Large
production capacities
Type 3 Pre-fabricated Shelter Permanent or Semi- High unit cost; Long shipping time,
and Containers permanent Structures, Long Production time, Inflexibility;
Long lasting.

in the charts, the 0
C threshold line signifies the transition
to high-impact freezing conditions. The 10
C threshold line
signifies the transition to considerable low-temperature
(cold) conditions affecting humans exposed to weather el-
ements (ECMWF, 2017).
3. Methodology
An earthquake-prone city must evaluate the possible im-
pacts of an earthquake on its buildings and infrastructure
during the preparation phase. The damage to residential
buildings during an earthquake must be determined to
identify the size and location of shelters. Thus, estimating
the damage before the earthquake is vital. Evacuation dis-
tance and shelter capacity are critical in ensuring urban
resilience; thus, many studies consider these factors as re-
quirements that must be met or objectives that should be
optimized. A hybrid bi-level model by Ng et al. (2010) min-
imizes the total and the particular evacuation times. More-
over, Saadatseresht et al. (2009) proposed minimizing the
maximum travel distance while preventing the overloading
of the shelter’s capacity. Huang et al. (2006) developed a
fuzzy multiobjective model with travel distance constraints
to maximize coverage. Kilci et al. (2015) formulated a model
that incorporates both a shelter’s capacity and distance re-
strictions. Their model calculates shelter area locations
while considering shelter area utilization. The optimization
approach and algorithm developed by Pérez-Galarce et al.
(2017) allow shelter construction for victims, linking shel-
ter and medical and psychological care.
Utilizing locally available, sustainably sourced materials
and construction methods to meet emergency shelter re-
quirements is best because these materials and construc-
tion methods would be utilized by disaster victims in
everyday situations.
Emergency shelters have advantages and disadvantages
depending on the context in which they are used (Table 1).
The following factors must be considered in any emergency
response when selecting an emergency shelter or a com-
bination of shelters (Sphere Association, 2018).
Developing emergency shelters has been proved to be
one of the most effective methods of reducing casualties,
whereby evacuees can find shelter before, during, and
after a disaster (Zhao et al., 2015). This study focuses on
the factors influencing the selection of a suitable location
for each temporary shelter type and reviews the existing
solutions to facilitate and expedite this process. A funda-
mental goal of the proposed decision model is to select
shelter sites based on their suitability in terms of qualita-
tive criteria. Given the importance of this topic, investi-
gating the following lists is vital.
3.1. Criteria for selecting the appropriate location
for temporary shelters
One of the primary measures of deploying a temporary
shelter is choosing the optimal location. This issue is

Table 2 The optimal distance between centers and population density at different levels in the crisis zone.
Layer Appropriate Relatively Average Relatively Inappropriate
appropriate inappropriate
Distance from fire station (m) 0e300 300e500 500e700 700e1000 Upper 1000
Distance from the communication 0e100 100e200 200e300 300e400 Upper 400
network (m)
population density (People per hectare) 0e30 30e60 60e90 90e120 Upper 120
Distance from health centers (m) 0e150 150e300 300e500 500e700 Upper 700
The distance from security and 0e150 150e300 300e500 500e700 Upper 700
military centers (m)
Weight 9 7 5 3 1

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 A. Moghri and A. Khalili

Fig. 5 Using SfM and DEM photos for creating three-dimensional (3-D) model generation of the Kujankallio. (a) Photo alignment in
a reference mode. Using the SfM process, the PhotoScan automatically detects camera positions and orientations by displaying blue
squares with nadir (center) lines. Light blue squares show oblique images. (b) Digital elevation model (DEM) showing elevation
gradient from blue to red of the open pit. Blue flags indicate the location of GCPs. (c) The orthorectified image shows the length of
the warehouse and the location of the surface profile sections. Virtual structural analysis is carried out using the thick yellow line
showing the location of the northern face. (d) Two profile sections (AB and CD) highlight the surface geometry of the open pit.

important because the extent of suitable and inappropriate
location would seriously affect other measures. Therefore,
considering the following points in deployment is highly
recommended:
 Establishing a temporary shelter should be feasible in
the desired location.
 The vastness of the selected area should allow the
proper distribution of the facilities and equipment.
 Harmony of the shape, construction, and installation of
the equipment should comply with the environment to
achieve balance and allow adjustment according to the
environmental complication (rural, desert, mountain,
forest, and urban) (Saidpour and Kashefidust, 2018).
Choosing the optimal location according to circum-
stances is sometimes conflicting or different when allo-
cating proper urban facilities and using them, particularly
during the initial crisis. Several factors, such as fire sta-
tions, population density, communication networks, health
centers, and military and police centers, are critical in
these conditions.
The global standards require a fire station within an 8 km
radius and consider 3e5 min travel time to reach the fire
site (“Evaluating Fire Station Locations,” 2020). The accu-
rate radius access of the fire station can be calculated as
follows:
 Given that the speed of fire trucks is between 30 and
40 km per hour, the relief cars travel approximately
500 me670 m per minute. The firefighters can cover a
radius of 2 kme2.7 km by considering a 1 min allowance
for receiving the warning alarm at the fire station and
consequently the departure of fire trucks in the
remaining 4 min. However, according to the traffic and
the lack of sufficient urban standards, which disrupts
pace and routes, the mentioned radius decreases to
1.7 km. An innovative multidisciplinary methodology,
considering road conditions and distance between home
and shelter, must be developed to estimate shelter
needs and evacuation scenarios when a disaster hap-
pens. Moreover, a shelter can be deployed in the vicinity
of roads that provide access to several parts of the
district; the probability of damage and blockage of these
passages should be minimal to prevent the risk of access
cut from stopping the relief and rescue operation
(Saidpour and Kashefidust, 2018; Tamima and Chouinard,
2016).
 The function of health centers, particularly emergency
department, which is a dynamic and potentially haz-
ardous patient care environment, is crucial in critical
situations (Hicks et al., 2012). Most of the literature
relating to humanitarian medical services mentions the
specific locations of hospitals or medical facilities and
the sheer fact that casualty transportation is mainly
performed by ambulance (Na and Banerjee, 2015; Sheu
and Pan, 2014; Wilson et al., 2013). Therefore, one of
the main criteria in determining the most suitable place
for constructing temporary shelters is proximity to
health centers and hospitals. The travel time to treat-
ment is the main factor restricting people’s accessibility
to hospitals (Cheng et al., 2016). According to the world

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Fig. 6 Pivotal nodes lie on every shortest path between two nodes (A, B).
standard, an emergency car must arrive at an accident
scene within at least 8 min. The radius of reachable
health centers should be considered on foot in critical
situations to reach the indicated time. Given that each
person travels approximately 55 m per minute to locate
the shelter, a maximum distance of 440 m to the medical
centers must be considered (Jodaki et al., 2012; Zheng
et al., 2019). In sudden-onset disasters, multiple un-
manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be used simulta-
neously to establish communication and emergency
systems for search and rescue and reporting secondary
disasters (Sandvik and Lohne, 2014).
 Shelters are constructed to provide service to homeless
and wounded people. Some criteria are essential to
planning evacuation, for example, the relationship be-
tween population capacity and service area (spatial
coverage) of shelters and candidate site selection. In
crisis-stricken areas, the probability of damage in high-
density areas is greater than that in low-density areas.
 Another important indicator is access to the military
department and police station. The protection of lives
and property of the wounded, particularly women and
children, against looting and pillaging by the invaders is
obligatory. The support services provided to the afflicted
people and the identification of suspected persons in-
crease the importance of security forces (Huang et al.,
2019; Saidpour and Kashefidust, 2018).
In the MCDM environment, the application of the Ana-
lytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has become increasingly
widespread since Saaty invented it in the 1970s (Pecchia
et al., 2011; Schmidt et al., 2015). Analytic network pro-
cess (ANP) is a generalized form of the AHP. It can be
applied as an efficient tool whenever the interactions
Fig. 7 Basic concepts for calculating betweenness centrality in node (D) among other nodes (A, B, C, E).
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among the elements result in proper network structures
under different real-world conditions. ANPs are widely
used for prioritization, performance evaluation, and
other purposes. They can also detect feedback and
interdependence.
Table 2 summarizes the statistics of distances and pop-
ulation density in different qualitative layers.
3.2. Dimensions and size of a shelter
Living in a family shelter rather than communal accom-
modation is always preferable because the former provides
privacy, psychological comfort, and emotional safety. It
also provides safety and security for people and their pos-
sessions and helps preserve or restore family unity.
Relief agencies should aim to provide refugees with
sufficient materials to build their shelter while meeting at
least the minimum standards, according to the UNHER
emergency handbook, fourth edition (a digital version
generated from the emergency handbook system). The
following items are based on the mentioned reference:
 The living area required in tropical climates or warm
climates per person must be at least 3.5 m2 (excluding
cooking facilities or kitchens; cooking is assumed to take
place outside).
 At the highest point, the shelter must have a minimum
height of 2 m.
 Cold climates require 4.5 m2 to 5.5 m2 per person of
covered living space, including a kitchen, to allow
considerable time inside the shelter (cooking, eating,
and establishing livelihoods).
 A. Moghri and A. Khalili

Fig. 8 The proposed algorithm.

3.3. Investigating the effect of photogrammetric
photos on locating the temporary shelters
According to the pre-determined aerial maps, the
geographical analysis of the routes and the deployment
area makes the quick transfer of the shelter to the crisis-
stricken area possible to some extent. Providing aerial
photogrammetric photos for the preparation of the three-
dimensional (3D) model of the region is obligatory. Some
notable successes in satellite-based damage mapping were
reported, particularly in cases where radar data have an
advantage and interferometry is used (Lu et al., 2018).
Unmanned aerial systems can remarkably improve moni-
toring. UAVs offer a unique opportunity to bridge the
existing gap between field observations and traditional
airborne and space-borne remote sensing by providing
spatial detail over relatively large areas in a cost-effective
manner and by enhancing time retrieval capabilities (Lin
et al., 2016; Manfreda et al., 2018; Tanzi et al., 2014).
The use of drones has evolved into detecting potential
problems, such as the structural stability of buildings
following Hurricane Katrina, and early intervention, such as
the detection of forest fires and drowning victims (Lopez-
Fuentes et al., 2017). Drone-produced vulnerability maps
can assist in reducing the vulnerability of communities by
utilizing information to mitigate and reduce the impact of
disasters on communities (Vargas-Florez et al., 2019). UAV
integration into emergency and DM should begin at the
highest level with a review of the mission and goals to be
achieved because executive support is required to imple-
ment this program. A comprehensive UAV programmatic
overview may help the officials make informed decisions
about the program. A comprehensive view includes the
following: knowledge of information needs, historical
perspective of conventional methods of aerial missions in
disaster response, awareness of comparative programs,
potential uses of UAVs in disaster response, and barriers to
formal integration of UAVs into the national airspace sys-
tem (Glantz et al., 2020). Thus, early studies have focused
on scene imaging, which aids disaster responders by sup-
plying a relatively low-cost aerial perspective. Erdelj et al.
(2017) offered a detailed overview of related research ef-
forts combining DM and UAV use. The use of the increasingly
efficient structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry
(Whang et al., 2007) and the 3D reconstruction concepts
emerging at the time (Pollefeys et al., 2004) was maxi-
mized. Moreover, some studies indicated that data are
already processed to derive georeferenced images (Suzuki
et al., 2008), terrain information, digital elevation
models, orthophotos, or orthomosaic (i.e., see Fig. 5)

Fig. 9 Visual coding of the proposed algorithm in Rhino/Grasshopper 3 d. (Colourful).

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 Frontiers of Architectural Research 11 (2022) 846e864

development of small, lightweight, civilian UAVs (Carrivick

et al., 2016). In low-altitude operating conditions (for
example, 120 m above ground level), modern UAVs can be
pretty effective in obtaining precise images of relatively
large, low-to high-relief topographic surfaces and bedrock.
Compared with satellites, UAVs have a small footprint on
the ground; however, the SfM approach can accommodate
large areas at high resolution (Bemis et al., 2014; Westoby
et al., 2012).

3.4. Urban network analysis

Algorithms are well-defined, computer-implementable

sequences of instructions used to solve problems or
compute. Algorithms are always unambiguous and are
Fig. 10 Total Possible Number of shelter. used as specifications for performing calculations, data
processing, automated reasoning, and other tasks.
(Bendea et al., 2008; Lewis, 2007; Nakanishi and Inoue, Different building damage types can be detected with
2005). Multiple UAVs may be used simultaneously to radar data using increasingly sophisticated machine
establish communication and emergency systems for search learning algorithms, including convolutional neural net-
and rescue and reporting secondary disasters in sudden- works (Bai et al., 2018). The rapid advancement of com-
onset disasters (Sandvik and Lohne, 2014). High precision puter technology has led to the development of many
is needed to investigate post-disaster terrains in the region powerful algorithms to solve multiobjective optimization
to ensure shelter deployment. The main advantages of problems, including particle swarm optimization algorithm
aerial photogrammetry include the capability to cover a and genetic algorithm (GA) (Zhang et al., 2020). Using
vast area. The accuracy of this tool in qualified software heuristic algorithms as a computational solver is consid-
has even surpassed other mapping counterparts because of ered reliable. Boonmee et al. (2017) used an exact and
the rapid development in science. heuristic algorithm to address emergency-initiated logistic
The analysis of the post-disaster 3D model and over- problems based on data modeling and problem types uti-
lapping with the pre-determined urban access map lizing a survey.
considerably impact the search for a suitable shelter In computer science, graphs serve as an abstract rep-
location. The workflow combining SfM and multiview resentation that helps explain the organizing principles of
stereopsis allows the construction of high-resolution, 3D transportation systems, human interactions, and telecom-
models of rock faces; these models can be used for virtual munication networks. The number of different structures
structural analysis of planar structures (Cawood et al., that can be modeled with a single formalism is incredible
2017; Vollgger and Cruden, 2016). SfM is built on the (Needham and Hodler, 2019). Euler (1741) solved the Seven
principle of generating a 3D spatial point cloud from a set Bridges of Königsberg problem in 1736, giving rise to the
of unconstrained overlapping two-dimensional (2D) im- graph solution finder. Modeling and analyzing data with
ages that have been taken from different viewpoints. graphs based on mathematics is a practical and highly ad-
Camera parameters, camera positions, and camera ori- missible effort. Nodes and vertices, along with their re-
entations are automatically solved for each image lationships, links, or edges, are graph elements. Graphs are
(Snavely et al., 2008). Many types of works on designing used to incorporate other graphs into the machine learning
software for UAV image processing, such as PhotoMod tasks. Graph patterns are often used as a querying method
(Russia), Pix4d mapper (Switzer), and Photo Scanner in local data analysis, whereas graph computation can be
(Russia), were conducted. Software design and engineer- used worldwide.
ing play a vital role in the life cycle of training simulators.
Electronic, information engineering, and aeronautic sci-
ences develop and create new mathematical models and
software for photogrammetry purposes (AbdElHamid and Table 3 Fitness objectives.
Zong, 2015; Cai et al., 2008; Dong et al., 2012; Zhang Abbreviation Objective Definition
et al., 2009).
NSH Maximize Number Open spaces,
Parts of the city with sufficient open spaces have a
of Shelter Parks, streets
relatively high potential for accommodating the wounded
DF Minimise Distance Optimal radius
and displaced persons. The highest priority for temporary
of Fire Station of 1.7 km.
accommodation is allocated to green spaces, schools, and
DH Minimise Distance Maximum distance
nonresidential lands to prevent dangerous developments.
of Hospital of 440 m
Incorrect shelter location can lead to a catastrophe far
DP Minimise Distance As Possible
worse than the initial disaster.
of Police Station
High-resolution, close-range digital photogrammetry has
DM Minimise Distance to As Possible
become a widely used technique for geoscience mapping
Main Roads
and applications because of the discovery and rapid

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 A. Moghri and A. Khalili

shortest. Based on the directions of the relationships in the

Table 4 Algorithm settings.
graph, the shortest path between two nodes is the path
Settings Simulation 1 Simulation 2 between nodes.
Generation Size 50 10 The simulation of an urban evacuation consists of
Generation Count 100 100 several steps, including the preparation of a spatial data-
Population Size 5000 1000 base (urban network, evacuation buildings, and safe
Crossover probability 0.9 0.9 points), establishment of an evacuation network, minimi-
Crossover Distribution Index 10 20 zation of total evacuation time, and feasibility of the
Mutation Distribution index 10 20 evacuation plan (Alaeddine et al., 2015).
Simulation runtime 7 h:04 m:53s 1 h:27 m:11s The k-shortest path is computed at each iteration by
finding the kth shortest path whose axiomatically higher
cost (time or distance) is greater or equal to the ðk  1Þth
path. Calculating the second (third, fourth, etc.) shortest
3.4.1. Pathfinding path is vital for various reasons. Escaping in an emergency
This study introduces specific algorithm examples based on via only the first shortest path between an origin and a
paths critical to graph analytics and algorithms. In graph destination is impossible for all people (Alaeddine et al.,
algorithms, finding the shortest paths is the most commonly 2019). Many works have been conducted in computer sci-
performed task, a precursor for several different types of ence, operations research, and engineering to compute the
analysis. The shortest paths are those with the fewest hops k-shortest paths in a graph for a given pair of nodes.
or the least weight. If the graph is directed, it is the path Hershberger and Suri (2001) used them in applications such
between two nodes that take the shortest amount of time as network and electrical routing, evacuation, and trans-
according to the directions of the relationships (Needham portation. According to Sabri et al. (2015), Dijkstra’s algo-
and Hodler, 2019). rithm assists evacuation routes in high and distant
buildings. Evacuees need to find an exit and a safe route to
3.4.2. Shortest path escape without being hurt as quickly as possible. Three
As part of this research, specific algorithms are discussed steps are required to implement the method in MATLAB: (1)
based on paths, one of the essential components of graph generating the layout plan of the selected building, (2)
analytics. Graph algorithms can find the shortest paths, creating a graph in which nodes represent doors and weight
which is the first step to several different types of analysis. represents the distance between nodes, and (3) computing
The paths with the fewest hops or the least weight are the

Fig. 11 Simulation 1, graph charts.

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Fig. 12 Simulation 2, graph charts.

the shortest path between the evacuee’s current location this formula is calculated. We can determine the fraction of
and the safe place. nodes that can be reached and the distance between them
by using a ratio. (Wassermann and Faust, 1994).
3.4.3. Closeness centrality variation: wasserman and The formula is as follows:
faust
Stanley Wasserman and Katherine Faust devised a formula !
to calculate the closeness between graphs that contain n1 n1
CWFðuÞ Z  
multiple subgraphs without connecting them. Social N  1 Pn1 d u; v
vZ1
Network Analysis: Methods and Applications explains how

Fig. 13 Simulation 1, 3 d cluster charst. Fig. 14 Simulation 2, 3 d cluster chart.

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 A. Moghri and A. Khalili

Table 5 Simulation 1- cluster analysis. (B) indicates the Best and (W) indicates the Worst in the table.
Cluster No. Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 4 Cluster 5 Cluster 6 Cluster 7 Cluster 8 Cluster 9 Cluster 10
Generation and Gen. 34, Gen. 13, Gen. 31, Gen. 11, Gen. 38, Gen. 17, Gen. 50, Gen. 9, Gen. 15, Gen. 61,
Individual No. Ind. 37 Ind. 12 Ind. 48 Ind. 39 Ind. 46 Ind. 46 Ind. 23 Ind. 31 Ind. 32 Ind. 10
Abbreviation NSH 124 48 160 100 80 60 204 44 368 (B) 12(W)
DF 1012.090 (B) 1276.168 3245.877 2605.985 2262.892 1821.960 3246.351 3764.754 1771.006 4077.212 (W)
DH 2922.295 4999.361 (W) 762.614 (B) 1367.791 1366.290 1843.099 1250.321 2197.741 2612.812 3979.897
DP 1232.348 3309.414 2877.866 2537.037 2193.944 1753.012 1323.518 3695.806 355.044 (B) 4008.264 (W)
DM 13.709 (B) 21.022 189.515 54.123 226.557 58.784 181.513 153.289 82.386 779.060 (W)
Average of 1295.110 2401.491 1768.968 1641.234 1512.421 1369.214 1500.426 2452.897 1205.312 (B) 3211.108 (W)
Distances

where u is a node, N is the total node count, n is X

the number of nodes in the same component as u, and
d (u,v) is the shortest path distance between another node
v and u.
3.4.4. Betweenness centrality
The betweenness centrality of a graph measures the influ-
ence of the nodes on the information flow. It is calculated
by determining which nodes function as links between
different parts of the graph (i.e., see Fig. 6). The shortest
node-to-node path (weighted) between two nodes in a
graph is calculated first. Each node is scored depending
on how many shortest paths pass through it. Nodes
typically score best on the shortest paths (Needham and
Hodler, 2019).
3.4.5. Betweenness
In the 1977 paper, “A Set of Measures of Centrality Based on
Betweenness” (Freeman, 1977), betweenness centrality is
described as one of the “three distinct intuitive concep-
tions of centrality.” The betweenness index is the total
number of the shortest paths (N) at the target location (K)
divided by the total number of shortest paths that exist
between two nodes (i and j) of a given radius (r). The target
node (k) has a high betweenness centrality if it appears in
many shortest paths to the node that estimates realistic
pedestrian flows in the network. u is a node; p is the total
number of shortest paths between nodes s and t; p(u) is the
number of shortest paths between nodes s and t that pass
through node u.
n
Nd½i;j ½K
Betweenness ½Kr Z
Nd½i;j
isjsk d½i;jri
The first procedure for each node is to find the shortest
paths that go through it. For each shortest path in step 1,
the percentage of that pair’s total possible shortest paths is
calculated. The next step is to add all the values in step 2 to
find a node’s betweenness centrality score. The table in
Fig. 7 illustrates steps 2 and 3 for node D. The process for
each node is repeated continuously.
3.5. Optimization and analysis
The evaluation and optimization are developed by a simu-
lation process in Rhino/Grasshopper, with plug-ins of Wal-
lacei and Numeric Network Analysis (NNA) for the proposed
method (Fig. 8). In this experiment, the evolutionary al-
gorithm used is the NSGA-2 algorithm. The NSGA-2 algo-
rithm originated from the GA; Deb et al. (2002) improved
GA to form the NSGA-2 algorithm (Deb et al., 2002). Gu
et al. (2016) used the NSGA-2 algorithm to solve the mul-
tiobjective optimization problem. Muhammad Makki, Milad
Showkatbakhsh, and Yutao Song developed Wallacei, a free
plug-in that runs on Grasshopper 3D based on NSGA-2
(Randall et al., 2020). NJ Namju Lee and Jung Hyun Woo
developed the NNA for Rhino Grasshopper. Distances can be
measured easily using NNA, and various accessibility and
centrality concepts can be explored with spatial networks.
In addition, some new features and functionalities

Fig. 15 Route path visualisation of simulation 1, cluster analysis.

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Table 6 Simulation 1- Parallel Plot Analysis (PPA). (B) indicates the Best in the table.
PPA Types Relative Difference Average of Fitness Rank
Between Fitness Ranks
Generation and individual No. Gen. 2, Ind. 49 Gen. 18, Ind. 23
Abbreviation NSH 152.000 96.000
DF 1271.928 (B) 1034.988 (B)
DH 2892.926 2709.047 (B)
DP 1127.814 1019.101 (B)
DM 220.831 10.421 (B)
Average of Distances 1378.375 1193.389 (B)

Fig. 16 Route path visualisation of Simulation 1. Parallel plot analysis.

allow users to measure the value of spatial networks, lo- types for each selected location. After the analysis of the
cations, buildings, and travel cost/time (Namju Lee and existing conditions, the designer completes the final prod-
Hyun Woo, 2020). uct by focusing on algorithms and codes and using them in
the project. The function of these algorithms is tied to
3.5.1. Primary simulation geometric production and follows the rules of digital or
This experiment determines the shortest distance to each computer spatial geometry (Gramazio et al., 2019).
urban facility, the main routes, and the optimization be-
tween these distances in different locations. The foundation 3.5.2. Fitness objectives (FOs) and genes
data of this research include site boundary, primary roads/ The models for allocating disaster shelters can be catego-
streets, facility location, and destruction area given by rized according to their objectives: single-objective and
UNOSAT-UNITAR. These data are inputted and processed in multiobjective models. Single-objective models are simpler
Grasshopper Canvas according to the proposed algorithm, as to formulate and more developed than multiobjective
illustrated in Fig. 9. According to the most important index
of crisis management (i.e., human health) and the infor-
mation given in Section 3.1, the survey area for the number Table 7 Simulation 1-Mean Solution Rank of all analysis
of shelters is considered 440 m in diameter. Based on Sec- (MSR).
tion 3.2, the shelter size for a family of four is 18 m2. MSR Mean Fitness Rank per Solution
Furthermore, the whole area has mesh; this area is sub-
Generation and Gen. 67, Ind. 0
tracted from the destruction area (Fig. 10). Consequently,
Individual No.
the remaining area is analyzed. The center of each square is
counted as one shelter, and its distances to the city’s fa- Abbreviation NSH 8
cilities via various route paths as numbers are listed sepa- DF 4169.055205
rately. Finally, the shelter’s location is tested by all possible DH 2017.86604
route paths among all existing locations (center of squares) DP 411.107254
and analyzed via Wallacei plug-in. The results of different DM 255.785579
methods are indicated in tables and compared. In the end, Average of Distances 1713.45352
the most repeated solutions are chosen according to shelter

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 A. Moghri and A. Khalili

models (e.g., minimizing travel distance or construction
costs). A single-objective model cannot effectively address
the location-allocation problem for earthquake emergency
shelters because it typically ignores essential objectives. In
comparison, multiobjective models can consider multiple
objectives (Liu et al., 2006) when dealing with complex,
high-dimensional problems. Multiobjective models also
tend to find local optimum solutions, which are time-
consuming and hard to determine. Li et al. (2012) noticed
that the current optimization algorithms cannot solve this
problem. Furthermore, the simplicity of single-objective
models in the actual situation for the shelter location
problem makes the development of multiobjective models
necessary. The objectives of the proposition are to mini-
mise the distance to specified urban facilities and maximize
the number of shelters based on qualitative factors while
considering demand, capacity, utilization, and budgetary
providence.
In Table 3, the evolutionary simulation shows the FOs
that this simulation optimized and the variables (genes)
that it modified to determine the distance of shelter to the
city’s facilities and where it should be located.
3.5.3. Algorithmic setup
The settings shown in Table 4 were applied for the NSGA-2
evolutionary algorithm. A consumer-grade laptop was used
for the simulation. The laptop was equipped with an i7-
8750H/4 GHz processor, 32 GB of RAM, and RTX-2060 GPU
with 6 GB memory.
4. Selection process and experiment results
The Wallacei charts in simulation 1 (Fig. 11) and simulation
2 (Fig. 12) demonstrate that each FO follows its destination
individually and makes a record as a graph. The mean value
of each FO is highlighted in yellow in the fitness value
graph. The analysis of the standard deviation graph in
conjunction with the standard deviation trendline (SDT)
indicated that the variation across the objectives reached a
plateau or mostly increased throughout the simulation’s
runtime. However, the convergence in the last generations
showed that the algorithm is established toward an
optimum.
A high fitness value is the sign of improved individual so-
lutions compared with previous generations when applied to
the mean value trendline (MVT). A similar pattern can be
observed across other objectives, where the MVT reflects fit
generations as the simulation progresses. With regard to the
objective (NSH), the mean values across generations began
to appear slightly consistent throughout the simulation. This
scenario is similar to the observations made in the SDT.
Moreover, the mean value of fitness decreased at the same
stage at which the variation across generations showed signs
of convergence. The charts showed that the simulation was
optimized for specific objectives, which are better than
others. However, the “weak” objectives showed signs of
convergence and fitness toward the end of the simulation.
Moreover, the entire population solution set must be
analyzed because it displays nonuniform characteristics to
the algorithmic run over the entire simulation. Therefore,
selecting the most appropriate solution becomes imperative.
4.1. Selection process
Choosing the results of simulation 01 is crucial because they
must be compared with the results of simulation 2. A Wal-
lacei plug-in applied a K-means clustering algorithm to the
Pareto front (the set of nondominated or optimal solutions)
of the population, in which the Pareto front was divided
into 10 clusters (Fig. 13). The selected solution(s) repre-
sented each cluster. Consequently, simulation 02 was taken
as 20 (Fig. 14).
4.1.1. Simulation 1
In this simulation, the population size based on generation
count, generation size, and the mutation distribution index
reached 5000 with 10 crossovers. Table 5 indicates that the
best result in cluster analysis for the minimum distance to
the fire station was found in (Cluster 1 Generation 34, In-
dividual 37) and that for minimum distance to the hospital
was found in (Cluster 3, Generation 31, Individual 48). The
minimum result for the distance to the police department
showed up in (Cluster 9, Generation 15, Individual 32),
which has the maximum number of shelters and the mini-
mum average of total distances. (Cluster 10, Generation 61,
Individual 10) has the worst result except in the minimum
distance to the hospital. All of the generations are illus-
trated in Fig. 15.
Consequently, the best result of parallel plot analysis in
Table 6 emerged in the average fitness ranks (Generation
18, Individual 23), except in the number of shelters
(Fig. 16). Table 7 represents the mean solution of all ranks
in (Generation 67, Individual 0).

Table 8 Simulation 2-cluster analysis. (B) indicates the Best and (W) indicates the Worst in the table.
Cluster No. Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 4 Cluster 5 Cluster 6 Cluster 7 Cluster 8 Cluster 9 Cluster 10
Generation and Gen. 8, Gen.24, Gen.15, Gen. 4, Gen. 14, Gen. 12, Gen. 0, Gen. 31, Gen. 92, Gen. 43,
Individual No. Ind.3 Ind.9 Ind.2 Ind. 0 Ind. 9 Ind. 2 Ind. 2 Ind. 9 Ind. 9 Ind. 9
Abbreviation NSH 140.000 160.000 40.000 32.000 (W) 56.000 260.000 196.000 112.000 64.000 104.000
DF 3424.664 2913.162 3694.211 3918.778 (W) 3595.391 892.112 (B) 1179.619 1438.780 1371.000 1706.293
DH 291.161 1207.175 209.118 (B) 3450.116 3498.076 3207.497 3097.489 3356.649 3686.576 (W) 3529.359
DP 2406.412 2844.214 2501.000 3849.830 (W) 3526.443 1517.550 1407.542 1666.703 1996.630 2331.731
DM 20.379 305.191 (W) 251.643 298.673 41.710 93.228 16.763 39.206 13.189 4.466
Average of 1535.654 1817.435 1663.993 2879.349 2665.405 1427.597 1425.353 1625.335 1766.849 1892.962
Distances

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 Frontiers of Architectural Research 11 (2022) 846e864

Table 9 Simulation 2-cluster analysis. (B) indicates the Best and (W) indicates the Worst in the table.
Cluster No. Cluster 11 Cluster 12 Cluster 13 Cluster 14 Cluster 15 Cluster 16 Cluster 17 Cluster 18 Cluster 19 Cluster 20
Generation and Gen. 11, Gen. 4, Gen. 0, Gen. 54, Gen. 47, Gen. 19, Gen. 88, Gen. 15, Gen. 41, Gen. 1,
Individual No. Ind.2 Ind. 6 Ind.3 Ind. 9 Ind.2 Ind.3 Ind. 2 Ind. 8 Ind. 9 Ind. 9
Abbreviation NSH 60.000 32.000 140.000 200.000 188.000 164.000 168.000 240.000 264.000 428.000 (B)
DF 1880.196 1359.209 1506.834 1747.564 1888.206 2064.668 2040.766 2991.425 2480.309 2543.257
DH 1786.745 5082.402 3204.451 3102.209 3196.523 3372.986 3349.084 1914.405 1917.594 2096.726
DP 1811.248 3392.456 1514.504 777.500 871.813 1048.276 1024.374 1061.340 557.476 544.597 (B)
DM 2.430 (B) 104.000 280.111 314.385 449.567 626.029 602.127 468.845 53.444 232.577
Average of 1370.155 2484.517 (W) 1626.475 1485.415 1601.527 1777.990 1754.088 1609.004 1252.206 (B) 1354.289
Distances

4.1.2. Simulation 2 solution is indicated in Table 11. The result emerged in

Based on the mutation distribution index, simulation 2 has a
population size of 1000 with 20 crossovers. Tables 8 and 9
show 20 cluster analysis results. The best result of each
cluster is formatted in bold in the row. The best average of
distances to city facilities belongs to (Cluster 19, Genera-
tion 41, Individual 9). Moreover, the maximum number of
shelters and the minimum distance to the police depart-
ment were found in (Cluster 20, Generation 1, Individual 9).
All generations are illustrated in Fig. 17.
Given the similar plot analysis result (Table 10), the best
average of the distances belongs to (Generation 8, Indi-
vidual 4). Compared with (Generation 8, Individual 4), an
adequate number of shelters is calculated in (Generation
42, Individual 2). However, both of these two results seem
suitable (Fig. 18). In addition, the mean fitness rank per
(Generation 5, Individual 7).
4.2. Result
In light of the weather information in Section 2.1, the first
type of shelter is ineligible as an accommodation because
of its nonadaptability to climate. However, it can store
medicine, supplies, and other necessities of daily life. The
achieved results in simulations 1 and 2 and the most
repeated results are indicated in Table 12.
The results generated by different calculation methods
have various advantages and disadvantages. Therefore,
each method must be examined individually to improve DM.
An area in DM with a high population density raises concerns
about the evacuation and resettlement of wounded and

Fig. 17 Route path visualisation of Simulation 2, Cluster analysis.

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Table 10 Simulation 2- Parallel Plot Analysis (PPA). (B) indicates the Best in the table.
Cluster No. Relative Difference Between Average of Fitness Rank
Fitness Ranks
Generation and Individual No. Gen.42, Ind. 2 Gen. 8, Ind.4
Abbreviation NSH 216 (B) 60
DF 3153.549 1880.196 (B)
DH 1761.632 (B) 1786.745
DP 1214.113 (B) 1811.248
DM 316.072 2.430 (B)
Average of Distances 1611.341 1370.155 (B)

Fig. 18 Route path visualisation of Simulation 2, Parallel plot analysis.

Table 11 Simulation 2-Mean Solution Rank of all analysis (MSR).

MSR Mean Fitness Rank per Solution
Generation and Individual No. Gen. 5, Ind. 7
Abbreviation NSH 180.000
DF 3424.664
DH 291.161
DP 2406.412
DM 20.379
Average of Distances 1535.654

displaced people. Thus, many suitable shelters must be
established as quickly as possible, thereby requiring suffi-
cient space for their establishment. Based on the infor-
mation shown in Table 13, (Generation 15, Individual 32)
and (Generation 1, Individual 9) solutions provide accom-
modation for immediate occupancy. The data also show
that (Generation 67, Individual 0) solution has the slightest
possibility of setting up a shelter and the most significant
average distance from urban facilities, which can only be
used to store food, medicine, and a relief group’s equip-
ment. Hence, Shelter type 1 is the best and most
economical type for this solution.
The most repeated solutions in Table 12 and the criteria
mentioned in Table 1 were evaluated. This evaluation
indicated that for the permanent or semipermanent struc-
tures, (Generation 18, Individual 23) solution has the
shortest distance to the fire station. Shelter 3 is highly
appropriate to provide quick relief in facing probable
crises.
Victims who sustained the most critical physical injuries
and those who need intensive care are recommended to
stay near medical centers because of the limited resources
at the hospital and the sheer size of the disaster. The
number of accommodations required for these people var-
ies, and the shelters must be set up quickly. Thus, Shelter
type 2 is a good option. The most convenient way to
accommodate patients and wounded people is using the
(Generation 5, Individual 7) solution.

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Table 12 The optimum results of each simulation and analysis.

Simulations Fitness Objectives
Analysis
Simulation No. Analysis Method NSH DF DH DP DM Average Most
Maximum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum of Distances Repeated
Minimum
Simulation 1 Cluster Analysis Gen. 15, Gen. 34, Gen. 31, Gen. 15, Gen. 34, Gen. 15, Gen. 15,
Ind. 32 Ind. 37 Ind. 48 Ind. 32 Ind. 37 Ind. 32 Ind. 32
Parallel Plot Gen. 2, Gen. 18, Gen. 18, Gen. 18, Gen. 18, Gen. 18, Gen. 18,
Ind. 49 Ind. 23 Ind. 23 Ind. 23 Ind. 23 Ind. 23 Ind. 23
Mean Solution Gen. 67, Gen. 67, Gen. 67, Gen. 67, Gen. 67, Gen. 67, Gen. 67,
Rank Ind. 0 Ind. 0 Ind. 0 Ind. 0 Ind. 0 Ind. 0 Ind. 0
Simulation 2 Cluster Analysis Gen. 1, Gen. 12, Gen.15, Gen. 1, Gen. 11, Gen. 41, Gen. 1,
Ind. 9 Ind. 2 Ind. 2 Ind. 9 Ind. 2 Ind. 9 Ind. 9
Parallel Plot Gen. 42, Gen. 8, Gen. 42, Gen. 42, Gen. 8, Gen. 8, EQ
Ind. 2 Ind. 4 Ind. 2 Ind. 2 Ind. 4 Ind. 4
Mean Solution Gen. 5, Gen. 5, Gen. 5, Gen. 5, Gen. 5, Gen. 5, Gen. 5,
Rank Ind. 7 Ind. 7 Ind. 7 Ind. 7 Ind. 7 Ind. 7 Ind. 7

Table 13 Suitable types of shelter for each elected solution. (B) indicates the Best and (W) indicates the Worst in the table.
Simulation NO. Most Repeated Abbreviation Average of Suitable
Solutions NSH DF DH DP DM Distances Shelter type

Simulation 1 Gen. 15, Ind. 32 368 1771.006 2612.812 355.044 (B) 82.386 1205.312 Types 2 and 3
Gen. 18, Ind. 23 96 1034.988 (B) 2709.047 1019.101 10.421 1193.389 (B) Type 3
Gen. 67, Ind. 0 8 (W) 4169.055 (W) 2017.866 411.107 255.786 1713.454 (W) Type 1
Simulation 2 Gen. 1, Ind. 9 428 (B) 2543.257 2096.726 544.597 232.577 1354.289 Type 2
Gen. 8, Ind. 4 60 1880.196 1786.745 1811.248 2.430 (B) 1370.155 Type 2
Gen. 42, Ind. 2 216 3153.549 1761.632 1214.113 316.072 (W) 1611.341 Type 1
Gen. 5, Ind. 7 180 3424.664 291.161 (B) 2406.412 (W) 20.379 1535.654 Type 2

Most people displaced by a disaster have possessions to communication lines and a relatively high average distance
fall back on and tend to stay close to where they were to urban facilities. It can be used for storage.
previously residing. Property owners need to be close to
security centers and police departments for peace of mind 5. Conclusion
and property security. Moreover, maintaining the structure
of the building induces protection and security. Shelter
DM broadly consists of pre-disaster and post-disaster pha-
type 3 in the location of (Generation 15, Individual 32) so-
ses. Cities have high population density and properties.
lution allows this scenario by having the closest distance to
Thus, they are highly exposed to risk factors. Relying on
the police department. However, they also have the right
safety, durability of buildings, and engineering principles is
to choose type 2 depending on the situation and their de-
not enough to decrease the vulnerability of cities to natural
cision. The solution also contains various establishment
hazards. Therefore, the construction of an urban shelter is
possibilities for shelters.
necessary to protect the lives of citizens and reduce casu-
DM relies heavily on communication. In general,
alties after the crisis by computing the post-disaster data,
communication lines are the most important determinant
which lead to the discovery of the optimal location for
of post-disaster DM response and recovery phases. As indi-
temporary shelters.
cated in Table 13, all results have acceptable distances.
Since the emergence of the modern MCDM in the early
However, with only a slight difference in the average dis-
1960s, several remarkable advances, including new ap-
tances in (Generation 42, Individual 2) solution, it has
proaches, advanced computational algorithms, and inno-
reached the permissible threshold, which may be ignored.
vative methods, have been made. However, most of the
Finally, the (Generation 8, Individual 4) solution can be
shelter location models were focused on scenarios. Hence,
used to help the emergency evacuation because it has the
shelter selection may not be robust across the natural range
shortest distance to the communication lines and a rela-
of potential hazards. Moreover, post-disaster criteria have
tively good shelter capacity. By contrast, the (Generation
not considered the influential factors in the constraints
42, Individual 2) solution has the longest distance to
arising after a disaster. Most studies on facility location

861
 A. Moghri and A. Khalili
conducted in humanitarian settings have a few identical
features. A single objective, such as various locations,
costs, and demand, is used. A different approach and cri-
terion must be used for shelter planning in case of natural
disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes. Location
decisions are affected by contradictory objectives. The
literature considered does not provide sufficient attention
to consider both objectives simultaneously. Only quantita-
tive factors are incorporated into existing propositions, and
little emphasis is placed on qualitative factors. Moreover,
much of the input information is fuzzy in a real-life shelter
location problem.
This study adopted suitability as an efficient method of
prioritizing criteria and potential shelter locations. Some of
the strengths of this research that can considerably affect
DM include the use of reliable information after the crisis,
rapid possible determination of establishment, increasing
the execution pace of shelters, accelerating the evacuation
of displaced persons, and categorizing. Moreover, adequate
shelter utilization reduces costs and enhances the relief
phase efficiency by declining the disorder of communica-
tion and confusion for relief groups and displaced people.
Nevertheless, efficient evacuation path planning for evac-
uation guidance still faces challenges involving generating
analysis models and the lack of real-time analysis under
dynamic conditions. Moreover, developing an evacuation
model is still a tedious and error-prone process. Accurate
geometry data and several environmental attributes are
required for a simulation to be effective. Evacuation speed
can be precisely determined by establishing it based on the
percentage of the population of different ages. This
approach is impossible with the information available
exactly after a disaster.
This study offers a novel approach for categorizing and
evaluating shelter establishment according to post-crisis
information. The proposed novel method utilized in this
study employs the information and data from “The United
Nations Institute for Training and Research” and “The Eu-
ropean Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts” to
compute and analyze the optimal locations of various
shelter types.
Declaration of competing interest
No conflict of interest.
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