Redefinition of the Greek electoral districts through the application of a region-building algorithm

Photis, Yorgos N. (2012): Redefinition of the Greek electoral districts through the application of a region-building algorithm. Published in: European Journal of Geography , Vol. 3, No. 2 (October 2012): pp. 72-83.

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is the formulation of a methodological approach for the definition of homogenous spatial clusters, taking into account both geographical and descriptive characteristics. The proposed methodology, is substantiated by SPiRAL (SPatial Integration and Redistricting ALgorithm), a constrained-based spatial clustering algorithm, whose successive steps focus on the analysis of the characteristics of the areas being integrated, the designation of the spatial clusters and the validity of a joining criterion. We applied the methodological approach and used SPiRAL to solve a realistic electoral redistricting problem. Namely, the redefinition of the electoral districts of the Prefecture of Lakonia in Greece. The results demonstrate an improved layout of the study area’s electoral map as far as the problem’s criteria and constraints are concerned (adjacency, population and size), justifying in this respect the perspectives and potential of our approach in the analysis and confrontation of similar problems.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Spatial clustering; GIS; constraint-based algorithm; electoral districts; Greece
• Subjects: R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R5 - Regional Government Analysis > R53 - Public Facility Location Analysis ; Public Investment and Capital Stock; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O2 - Development Planning and Policy; D - Microeconomics > D7 - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making > D72 - Political Processes: Rent-Seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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