Integration of GIS-based suitability analysis and multicriteria evaluation in a spatial decision support system for route selection

Abstract

Land suitability mapping techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) have been used in the last decade to assist planners in route selection problems. These techniques, though robust in translating physical constraints into feasible alternatives for route location, are weak in incorporating the decisionmaker's preferences, and, hence, are of limited use for decision support. The decisionmaking process that follows a route location study can be supported by multicriteria evaluation techniques that incorporate decisionmakers' preferences. This paper presents an approach to integrating a GIS-based land suitability analysis and multicriteria evaluation in a spatial decision support system for route selection. The design and implementation of the system are presented together with an example of system application to a study of the route selection for a water transmission supply line.