Automated modeling of geographical accessibility using the AccessMod framework

The paper operates within the established paradigm of geographic information science (GIS) for modeling spatial accessibility. This paradigm relies on cost-distance analysis, which uses geospatial data like land cover, elevation, and transport networks to calculate travel time to services. The AccessMod tool itself is a key instrument within this paradigm, particularly for public health applications.

This research exemplifies Normal Science by focusing on puzzle-solving within the current accessibility modeling paradigm. It does not propose a new theory or method for measuring accessibility but instead refines the existing instrumentation. By chaining separate software components into a single, automated framework and exposing it through a virtual laboratory, the authors solve the known problem of technical complexity and manual effort. This work enhances the efficiency, reproducibility, and accessibility of the dominant paradigm for a wider range of users, which is a core activity of normal scientific progress.