Implementation of a spatial decision support system for rural land use planning: integrating geographic information system and environmental models with search and optimisation algorithms

Abstract

The implementation of a spatial decision support system (DSS) developed as a tool for rural land use planning at the management unit level is described. The DSS fulfils the need for a tool that allows rural land managers to explore their land use options and the potential impacts of land use change. The DSS is based on five components: a geographic information system (GIS); land use modules; impact assessment modules; a graphical user interface; and land use planning tools. These components are implemented across two software platforms Gensym’s G2 knowledge based system (KBS) development environment and Smallworld GIS. Following a review of the DSS components, the paper focuses on two aspects. First, the use of the object-orientation paradigm to facilitate the integration of geospatial information. Second is the proposed use of genetic algorithms, a class of search and optimisation algorithm, to find optimum land use plans using the integrated functionality of both KBS and GIS.