Studies regarding correct selection of statistical methods for the needs of increasing the efficiency of identification of land for consolidation—A case study in Poland

Abstract

The land consolidation process is an important and effective tool for sustainable development and spatial planning of rural areas. Land surveying in connection with consolidation and exchange works is expensive and long-lasting and is consistent in many countries of Europe and around the world. Such works are necessary for improving the spatial structure of rural areas. They should be carried out successively in villages where they are most urgent. For the needs of hierarchization of consolidation works multidimensional statistical methods can be applied. The study material is actual field data deriving from the real property register databases referring to a commune situated in central Poland. The final effect of the analyses is developing a ranking of land consolidation works. It was developed using three independent statistical methods: zero unitarization method, Hellwig’s method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The credibility of results is testified by conformity of the calculation results with the actual needs of the region. The highest level of conformity was observed between the results of identification of land for consolidation employing Hellwig's and zero unitarization methods. Medium conformity, which was also characterized by a high correlation coefficient, was observed for a combination of TOPSIS and zero unitarization methods. The lowest conformity of results was achieved for a combination of Hellwig's method and TOPSIS. The tested methods can be used for developing computational algorithms to enhance IT tools and applications in areas where consolidation is required.