GIS-based multicriteria analysis: an approach to select priority areas for preservation in the Ahaggar National Park, Algeria

Abstract

This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based multicriteria decision-making approach for biodiversity preservation of the Ahaggar National Park in Algeria. This tool named spatial decision-making aid (SDMA) enables decision makers to evaluate the relative priorities of conserving the biodiversity in protected areas basing on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators of the area. In this study, we have developed conceptual and methodological solutions to integrate outranking methods (such as elimination and choice to translate reality TRI, preference ranking organizational methods and analytical hierarchy process) of multicriteria analysis in the GIS software to enhance its potential as tools of spatial decision support in land management problems. We integrated the results and other data relevant studied area in a GIS as a starting point for our SDMA prototype for resources management. Through the application, we have designed functionalities that allow producing maps of areas which needed urgent preservation. These methods are more appropriate to decision-making problems and their integration into GIS software (ArcView GIS 3.2 software from Environmental Systems Research Institute) that constitutes a powerful tool of spatial decision-making aid.