Classification of Location Problems

There are several good reasons to introduce classification schemes for optimization problems including, for instance, the ability for concise problem statement opposed to verbal, often ambiguous, descriptions or simple data encoding and information retrieval in bibliographical information systems or software libraries. In some branches like scheduling and queuing theory classification is therefore a widely accepted and appreciated tool. The aim of this paper is to propose a 5-position classification which can be used to cover all location problems. We will provide a list of currentliy available symbols and indicate its usefulness in a - necessarily non-comprehensive - list of classical location problems. The classification scheme is in use since 1992 and has since proved to be useful in research, software development, classroom, and for overview articles