Integrating geographical information systems and multiple criteria decision-making methods

TLDR

Spatial decision‑making problems such as site selection or land use allocation require evaluating alternatives across multiple dimensions, and Multiple Criteria Decision‑Making methods can aid this process. This paper proposes a framework for integrating Geographic Information Systems with MCDM methods. The framework classifies MCDM methods, matches them with decision‑making heuristics, and offers two integration strategies—file exchange and a shared database—illustrated by implementing the file‑exchange approach with PC‑ARC/INFO and four MCDM programs.

Abstract

Abstract Many spatial decision-making problems, such as site selection or land use allocation require the decision-maker to consider the impacts of choice-alternatives along multiple dimensions in order to choose the best alternative. The decision-making process, involving policy priorities, trade-offs, and uncertainties, can be aided by Multiple Criteria Decision making (MCDM) methods. This paper presents a framework for integrating geographical information systems (GIS) and MCDM methods. In this framework the MCDM methods are classified and matched with choice heuristics used by the decision-makers in the presence of competing alternatives and multiple evaluation criteria. Two strategies for integrating GIS with MCDM are proposed. The first strategy suggests linking GIS and MCDM techniques using a file exchange mechanism. The second strategy suggests integrating GIS and MCDM functions using a common database. The paper presents the implementation of the first strategy using PC-ARC/INFO, a file exchange module, and four different MCDM computer programs.