A genetic algorithm approach to multiobjective land use planning

This paper describes a class of spatial planning problems in which di,erent land uses have to be allocated across a geographical region, subject to a variety of constraints and con.icting management objectives. A goal programming/reference point approach to the problem is formulated, which leads however to a di/cult nonlinear combinatorial optimization problem. A special purpose genetic algorithm is developed for the solution of this problem, and is extensively tested numerically. The model and algorithm is then applied to a speci2c land use planning problem in The Netherlands. The ultimate goal is to integrate the algorithm into a complete land use planning decision support system. ? 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.