Multicriteria optimization of landscapes using GIS-based functional assessments

This paper introduces a new way of using GIS to support decision making in the planning process and to develop regional guidelines. The method of 'mul ticriteria optimization' helps new methodological standards to be establish ed for integrating the various results of functional landscape ecology asse ssments of the type usually carried out in ecological planning, and enables the overall comparison of competing aims. This technique allows different aims in a geographical region to be quantified and takes into account diffe rent weightings of scenarios. Different functional assessments (soil erosio n hazards caused by water flow, groundwater regeneration, water discharge r egulation) and an assessment of the agricultural production function were c arried out using GIS for a test site measuring 48 km(2) in a glacial end mo raine area to the north of Leipzig (Saxony, Germany). The results were pres ented in the form of ordinal assessment classes which express tendencies. O n the basis of these assessment results, aims for the calculation of an opt imal land-use pattern were defined and weighted in different scenarios. Mul ticriteria optimization calculates optimal compromises with regard to these aims which can be measured and compared with goal function values. Althoug h the method cannot replace decision making by the planner, which is often difficult and can generally not be quantitatively verified, it can help to make the planning process more objective. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.