Abstract
Planning support system enabled multi-scale site suitability analysis
5th Association of European Schools of Planning and Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Joint Congress Book of Abstracts, p.854
Association of European Schools of Planning and Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (AESOP/ACSP) Joint Congress: Planning for resilient cities and regions, 5th (Dublin, Ireland, 15-Jul-2013–19-Jul-2013)
2013
Abstract
Suitability analysis aims to identify the best and/or preferred locations for a specific activity or land-use. The purpose of this research is to explore the nexus between commercially available GIS-based planning support system (PSS) software, the academic body of knowledge underpinning suitability modelling, and the application of both the tools and literature in real-world decision situations. While off the shelf commercial PSS software offer easy to use functionality for suitability modelling, the links between these software, the theoretical demands of suitability modelling, and the outputs needed in spatial planning processes are often tenuous at best. In order to link software, theory and practice this paper presents two case examples of multi-scale suitability modelling. The decision situation is site search and selection (Malczewski, 2004) for large energy facilities in the U.S. West. The purpose of the facilities is to add value from energy resources that would otherwise be exported from the state where the facilities will be located. Presentation of the case examples includes global (site search) and local (site selection), participatory (expert input) model development, testing and implementation of decision criteria, comparison and contrast of spatial and non-spatial numeric weighting systems and output assessment. The findings of the research are that GIS-based PSS can be an effective tool for identifying locations suited for a purpose. Expert input through a participatory process assists with mitigating problems associated with factor interdependence, developing weights that in aggregate accurately reflect needs and preferences and ultimately in producing trusted and implementable outcomes. Clearly linking GIS-based PSS suitability analysis software within the theoretical demands of suitability modelling has the potential to yield a number of benefits including bolstering the scientific underpinning of the PSS-based tool, making the inner workings of the model as transparent as possible, guiding planners and decision makers in the strengths and weaknesses of their modelling approach, and enabling recommendations for the decision spaces in which specific suitability modelling techniques are best used. These improvements may assist in enabling more informed decision making by offering a resource to help improve the quality of suitability and similar spatial planning projects undertaken by professional planners.
Details
- Title
- Planning support system enabled multi-scale site suitability analysis
- Authors
- Scott Lieske (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and BusinessJeffery D Hamerlinck (Author) - University of Wyoming, United States
- Publication details
- 5th Association of European Schools of Planning and Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Joint Congress Book of Abstracts, p.854
- Conference details
- Association of European Schools of Planning and Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (AESOP/ACSP) Joint Congress: Planning for resilient cities and regions, 5th (Dublin, Ireland, 15-Jul-2013–19-Jul-2013)
- Publisher
- AESOP/ACSP Joint Congress
- Date published
- 2013
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448871802621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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