Multi-criteria decision analysis for sub-watersheds ranking via the PROMETHEE method

Abstract

Soil and water resources are important elements of the environment that is managed to reduce the erosion rate and the destructive effects of torrential flooding. Implementation of the measures to reach this goal requires the ranking of sub-watersheds and areas within the sub-watersheds, from most to least vulnerable, which can be achieved using Multi-criteria decision analysis methods. In this paper, using the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) II method ranking of nine sub-watersheds delineated in the Topciderska river watershed, Serbia, was performed by using ArcGIS software. The criteria used for determining the order of the most vulnerable sub-watersheds are land cover, rainfall, soil erodibility as well as topography. The importance of criteria was determined by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and the influence of the criteria weights on ranking results was tested. This research identified that the most vulnerable sub-watershed is located in the upper part of the study area, where 15% of the territory is at high risk of erosion. Thus, this sub-watershed should have priority for protection through the implementation of appropriate measures and works. The results of the PROMETHEE II method and the ArcGIS application represent the valuable information for watershed management planning and implementation of soil erosion and torrent control measures.