Abstract
Decision making in catchments is inherently complex and spatial in nature. This chapter examines the nature of this complexity, proposes criteria for good decision making, and focuses on the utility of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a decision making tool in this context. The AHP has great potential value in integrating qualitative judgements with scientific information. However, its limitations for ranking issues that have a spatial dimension can be resolved by linking the AHP process to geographic information systems (GISs). A computer program called Catchment Decision Assistant provides a friendly user interface to construct AHP hierarchies and generate weighted map overlays using Arc View GIS with the Spatial Analyst extension. The program automates the GIS processing so the user needs to know little about GISoperation. This chapter describes the Catchment Decision Assistant architecture, how the AHP is implemented in a spatial context, and demonstrates its use to assess biophysical capability for horticultural crops in West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority in Victoria, Australia.
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Itami, R.M., MacLaren, G., Hirst, K. (2001). Integrating the AHP with Geographic Information Systems for Assessing Resource Conditions in Rural Catchments in Australia. In: Schmoldt, D.L., Kangas, J., Mendoza, G.A., Pesonen, M. (eds) The Analytic Hierarchy Process in Natural Resource and Environmental Decision Making. Managing Forest Ecosystems, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9799-9_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9799-9_17
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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