Application of Geographic Information System for Spatial Data Analysis of Student Admissions and the Development of Educational Guidance Pathways in Northeastern Thailand: A Case Study of the School of Information and Communication Technology, University of Phayao
Keywords:
Network analysis, Educational guidance, Multi-attribute decision making, Geographic information system, School of Information and Communication Technology, University of PhayaoAbstract
This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of undergraduate admissions to the School of Information and Communication Technology, University of Phayao, and to develop an effective educational guidance route plan in Northeastern Thailand. The research applied Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and Network Analysis. The dataset comprised admission records from academic years 2011 to 2024, totaling 14 years. Spatial frequency analysis was conducted, and target schools were identified using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method, based on two main factors: the number of admitted students from each school and the time period of their admissions. The results revealed 10 schools suitable for educational guidance activities. Additionally, three scenario-based route models were developed: (1) the shortest distance route covering 487 kilometers in 365 minutes, (2) the return-oriented route covering 589.08 kilometers in 442 minutes, and (3) the multimodal continuous route covering 477.8 kilometers in 358 minutes. The findings support strategic planning for targeted, efficient educational guidance under limited resources, and promote equitable access to higher education. This approach aligns with the goals of sustainable development and lifelong learning enhancement.
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