Ignore One-way Restriction in Network Analyst Backhaul Optimization

Question

This question pertains to Network Analyst Backhaul Optimization: How can I configure it to ignore the one-way travel direction restriction? The reason I need this is because placement of fiber optic cable does not depend on the travel direction of vehicles, and the routes being generated are resulting in unnecessary length due to divided highways causing u-turns. Thank you in advance

networkanalyst backhaul optimization#

HunterWest · Answer

That's great info, thanks for sharing. Not having to select a travel mode is even better than creating a new Network Dataset that doesn't have any!

RichThomas2 · Answer

Thanks again Hunter. Yes the Hierarchy is good for fiber optic cable routes. I am using ESRI's StreetMap Premium for ArcGIS Desktop which comes with a pre-built Network Dataset. As far as I've found, it cannot be edited or copied because it is licensed, so I don't think I can build a new Network Dataset without Travel Modes.

However, I had a revelation that solved my problem with one-way streets. In the Closest Facility Analysis Settings Restriction there are choices for Driving an Automobile, Driving a Truck, Walking, etc. I thought you had to choose one of those modes, but my revelation was that you don't have to pick any of them, and it was those choices that were causing the restriction on one-way travel. With none of those selected it is not restricted to one-way travel and successfully routes in any direction. However I do now have to watch out for it routing on walking paths, because it is no longer restricted to where an automobile drives, and walking paths are generally not where you could place fiber cable.

HunterWest · Answer

Yea, the Hierarchy suggestion is just a good practice for fiber routing in general and I thought it may help since it tends to be higher tier highways and such that have one-way roads with large medians.

What sort of Network Dataset are you using? If you have the source data available, then you should be able to just build a new Network Dataset off of that data that has no Travel Modes attached to it. Not having a Travel Mode should mean that it does not recognize any field that would otherwise indicate a direction restriction, and *should* allow you to traverse any street segment in any direction without issue.

Does it make sense what I'm suggesting? Let me know if you need me to elaborate.