A computer system to assist optimalization of land management

Abstract

The variables used in this model are the possible land uses that could occur in a defined land area. All information about productivities and input utilization for each land use in each land area is incorporated in the constraints of the allocation model. These constraints specify the limitations to land resources and known requirements for commodities produced on the land. Thus, all objectives of the land management system can be expressed as constraints and will be satisfied by feasible allocations of land uses to land areas. From the feasible solutions, that particular allocation that indicates the minimum specialization or maximum flexibility of uses of land areas is chosen. An appropriate objective function to perform this task is to maximize the entropy measure: H = Σ i M Σ j N A ij log A ij , where A ij is the proportion of area j in the land use i. Maximizing this measure, subject to the defined constraints, is equivalent to choosing that feasible allocation in which the land-use system is maximally diversified. Additional constraints are added to the initial system for specific ecological parameters. The main categories are neutrality, maximum dispersion, maximum concentration and aggregation. The computer system permits the following procedures: • - addition or suppression of 1, …, n constraints; • - change of value of 1, …, n constraints; • - mapping of optimalized land use with reference to initial data and objectives. The system was first tested on a theoretical land. Then, an application of this model, using a detailed ecological data bank of a restricted area (2000 ha around the campus of the University of Liège, Belgium), has been made. The results are in good accordance with other methods of planning but provide additional alternatives. The model outlined represents a flexible and workable tool which can provide rational information for the use of land resources in accordance with defined objectives and constraints.