The belief that mathematical location modeling can identify "optimal" location
patterns rests on the basis that some realistic objective can be identified and by some
measure quantified. For example, in the area of private facilities location analysis,
a reasonably accurate statement of the objective of locating warehouses is to minimize
the costs of manufacturing and distribution. Since most cost elements included
in the objectives of private facility location can be reasonably estimated,
the models can picture with some degree of accuracy the real location problem they
are designed to solve.