A Simple, Portable, Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis Shell � MCAS-S

Multi-criteria approaches to analysis of complex issues in coupled human-environment systems have found wide application across business, government and communities around the world. Increased attention has been paid to spatial implementations of multi-criteria analysis. Spatial capability is available in several GIS, such as IDRISI and ArcView, and is often customised for particular problems in spatially explicit decision tools. However, simple, flexible multi-criteria shells are not readily available, particularly without a programming requirement, and with easy adaptability to any problem. The ASSESS (A System for Selecting Suitable Sites) multicriteria interface in ArcInfo GIS has been applied widely over a number of years most recently in analysis of tensions in Australian rangelands. However, there is now a need for a completely portable and flexible spatial multi-criteria shell to assist in exploration of a wide range of sciencepolicy issues at government and community level.