Final answer:
The answer to which question can be answered by 'closest facility' network analysis is option (a): identifying the computer labs within a 10-minute range of the library, as it specifically concerns finding the nearest facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Which question can be answered by "closest facility" network analysis?' is best answered with option (a): Which three computer labs in campus are within 10 mins of the library? This application of network analysis is specifically suited for identifying the closest facilities based on travel time or distance.
Closest facility network analysis is a technique used in geographic information systems (GIS) that can help determine the most accessible facilities within a specific distance or time threshold. In the context given, it could identify computer labs that are within a 10-minute trip from the library. This is particularly beneficial for students who may want to plan their activities depending on the proximity to necessary resources like computer labs.
Options (b) and (d) may involve routing but do not necessarily pertain to the 'closest' facility, which is what closest facility analysis aims to find. Option (c) refers to finding the shortest route for a different task, which might be better served by other network analysis methods, such as the traveling salesman problem or vehicle routing problem strategies. Closest facility analysis is specifically about finding the nearest location.