Allelomimesis in the spatial distribution of gas stations in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Urban business establishments frequently cluster despite competitive pressures toward spatial dispersion, suggesting imitation-driven dynamics. We examine the spatial organization of gas stations in Metro Manila through the lens of allelomimesis. Using Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) analysis and density-based clustering, we quantify global aggregation and interaction-driven clustering. Allelomimetic strength is estimated using the cluster size distributions under both Euclidean and road-network distance metrics. We find strong overall clustering with an ANN ratio of 0.542. Caltex and Shell gas stations are also found to be significantly clustered, with ANN ratios of 0.832 and 0.882, respectively. Meanwhile, Petron and Phoenix gas stations are found to have a random pattern. Allelomimesis analysis reveals that imitation emerges early and intermittently in Euclidean space across distance thresholds from 380 m to 650 m, while road-network distance suppresses copying except at specific accessibility thresholds from 650 m to 680 m. These results indicate significant clustering and suggest a two-stage siting process in which perceived proximity governs early imitation, and road infrastructure constraints regulate its realization.