Network analysis is useful for organizations that manage or use
networked facilities, such as utility, transmission and
transportation systems. Utilities employ network models to
model and analyze their distribution systems and meter-reading
routes. Municipal public works departments use networks to
analyze bus and trash routes, whereas businesses use them to
plan and optimize the delivery of goods and services. Network
analysis can also be applied to retail store planning. For
instance, solving of the driving times can aid in the
determination of retail store trade areas. Three principal types of
network analysis are network tracing, network routing and
network allocation.