GIS for location planning of banks' physical networks.

Spatial aspects are often crucial for agriculture-related companies. This paper presents how methods of spatial analysis can help to elaborate regional network planning strategy for a large agricultural bank. Corporate reporting microdata, a novel source for the research of Russian business, were processed and visualized with geographical information system (GIS). The overlay of agribusiness clusters and bank accessibility zones revealed uneven patterns of its current branch network. This approach was applicable as a first step for the location choice strategy. The results allowed us to propose a new office location in order to cover territories for the further development of the bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]