Abstract
A geographic information system is configured with a graphical user interface to enable the integration of expert analysis with public perceptions of information in a scenario based decision framework. The system, ASSESS — A System for SElecting Suitable Sites, requires clear problem definition to establish decision variables (criteria) which are addressed by: thematic data selection, interpretation of theme attributes to assign rating values; and arithmetic combination to generate scenarios.
GIS functionality is used to capture data, establish spatial alignment between themes and to rasterise all vector data. Theme based attribute tables are reviewed by experts to define initial sets of suitability ratings. System users then select themes and adjust ratings to represent their own knowledge and/or attitude assessments as decision scenarios. The system objective is to apply a selection sieve to identify areas with a high likelihood of satisfying site suitability and land use decision needs, in contrast to a quantitative analysis with its aim of an optimised outcome.
The system is fast, scalable from whole continents to small regions and provides a transparent, defensible and versatile decision support environment. The method’s application is outlined for site selection for radioactive waste disposal.
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© 1997 IFIP
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Veitch, S.M. (1997). Land Use Decisions and Site Selection: a GIS-based Method. In: Denzer, R., Swayne, D.A., Schimak, G. (eds) Environmental Software Systems. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-5041-2869-8_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-5041-2869-8_33
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