Gap Analysis (Spatial)

Spatial gap analysis is a location intelligence technique that compares actual performance, coverage, or supply against desired levels across a map to identify areas where gaps exist. The 'gap' can represent unmet consumer demand, insufficient service coverage, missing infrastructure, or any shortfall between current state and target state measured geographically.

Analysts define a target metric—such as population-to-store ratio, drive-time coverage threshold, or spending potential versus captured revenue—and map both the target and the current state across geographic units. Areas where the current state falls below the target are classified as gaps. The severity of each gap is scored by the magnitude of the shortfall and the strategic value of the affected geography. Gaps are then prioritized for action based on size, accessibility, competitive dynamics, and alignment with business strategy.

Retailers use spatial gap analysis to find markets where demand exists but the brand has no presence, feeding expansion pipelines. Healthcare systems identify communities that lack adequate primary care access within a 30-minute drive time. Telecom operators map coverage gaps where population density justifies network investment. Nonprofits and government agencies use it to ensure equitable distribution of resources such as food banks, vaccination sites, and emergency shelters. Spatial gap analysis provides a systematic, evidence-based approach to identifying where current resources fall short and where new investment will generate the greatest impact.