Spatial Analysis-Driven Facility Location Optimization for Vertiports

<p><strong>Abstract</strong><br>Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) integrates vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft (VCA), specifically electric VTOLs (eVTOLs), into urban and suburban transportation systems and infrastructure. The success of this integration depends on the strategic placement of takeoff/landing sites (vertiports), representing central nodes for IAM operations. This study presents a two-step optimization approach for allocating demand from urban subareas to potential vertiport locations. In the first step, spatial analysis and Anselin Local Moran’s I clustering method are used to identify candidate vertiport points. In the second step, a linear location allocation model is developed to assign these demand points to the most suitable vertiports while considering operational constraints such as VTOL flight range. A case study in Saxony, Germany, demonstrates how demand distribution and accessibility influence vertiport selection. By integrating technological and urban planning constraints, this study provides a structured approach to optimizing IAM networks, supporting systematic and scalable IAM infrastructure planning.<br><br><strong>Note</strong><br>This manuscript has also been submitted to EasyChair Preprints (currently under processing).</p>