Multi-attribute Decision Analysis in GIS: Weighted Linear Combination and Ordered Weighted Averaging

Decision analysis can be defined as a set of systematic procedures for analysing complex decision problems. Differences between the desired and the actual state of real world geographical system is a spatial decision problem, which can be approached systematically by means of multi-criteria decision making. Many real-world spatially related problems give rise to geographical information system based multi-criteria decision making. Geographical information systems and multi-criteria decision making have developed largely independently, but a trend towards the exploration of their synergies is now emerging. This paper discusses the synergistic role of multi-criteria decisions in geographical information systems and the use of geographical information systems in multi-attribute decision analysis. An example is provided of analysis of land use suitability by use of either weighted linear combination methods or ordered weighting averages.