Atlanta’s logistics market has long been defined by its strategic proximity to highways, but new mapping techniques reveal deeper insights into inventory distribution. A fresh perspective reshapes our understanding of the relationship between logistics hubs and highway access.
Initial Findings: Highway Proximity Dominates
In June 2023, a color-coded analysis segmented Atlanta’s logistics market by proximity to highway ramps:
- Dark Blue: Areas containing highway ramps (55% of inventory).
- Light Blue: Areas adjacent to highway ramps (31% of inventory).
- Cream: Non-highway-adjacent areas.
This initial map suggested that the majority of Atlanta’s logistics inventory was clustered near highways. However, scaling distortions in the map—where less populated areas were represented by larger blocks—skewed the perception, making rural communities appear to hold more inventory than they actually do.
New Methodology: Hexagon Mapping for Precision
A more granular analysis using uniform two-square-mile Uber H3 hexagons (resolution 7) addressed these limitations. The refined map provided a clearer and more accurate breakdown:
- 41% of inventory is in areas containing highway ramps.
- 41% is in highway-adjacent zones.
- Non-highway-adjacent inventory increased to 36%, up nearly five percentage points from the original analysis.
This approach not only improved the visual representation but also revealed a broader distribution of logistics inventory across the Atlanta market.
Why It Matters
The new hexagon-based mapping underscores Atlanta’s robust logistics network while showcasing its diversity beyond the expected highway-centric hubs. For stakeholders, this means greater opportunities to explore areas previously overlooked due to visual biases in traditional mapping techniques.
Discover how data-driven insights are reimagining logistics markets. Contact VidTech today to showcase your logistics portfolio with precision and clarity.
