Abstract

This paper presents a spatial decision support tool that implements the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) method. OWA is a family of multicriteria evaluation operators characterised by two sets of weights: criterion importance weights and order weights. We propose a highly interactive way of choosing, modifying, and fine-tuning the decision strategy defined by the order weights. This exploratory approach to OWA is supported by a graphical representation of the operator's behaviour in terms of decision risk and tradeoff/dispersion between criteria. Our prototype implementation is based on the CommonGIS software, and thus, Web-enabled and working with vector data. We successfully demonstrate online, exploratory support of spatial decision strategies using a data set of skiing resorts in Wallis, Switzerland.<div><br></div><div>This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Journal of Geographical Systems. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s101090300095 <br></div>

Highlights

  • In the most general terms, multicriteria decision problems involve a set of decision alternatives that are evaluated on the basis of conflicting and incommensurate criteria

  • We propose a highly interactive way of choosing, modifying, and fine-tuning the decision strategy defined by the order weights

  • The Web-enabled Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) tool described in this paper provides access to a flexible spatial decision support technique for a broad range of potential users

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Summary

Introduction

In the most general terms, multicriteria decision problems involve a set of decision alternatives that are evaluated on the basis of conflicting and incommensurate criteria. The VegMan prototype includes JavaAHP, an online multicriteria evaluation component that implements the analytical hierarchy process This tool helps users to assess management options in regional vegetation management on the base of information on facts and policies that is available in VegMan, combined with their own preferences (see Zhu and Dale 2001). This paper offers a Web-enabled multicriteria decision analysis tool that allows users to select a decision rule, choose criteria and set criterion weights, addressing type (iv) in the above classification. It presents an implementation of the OWA decision rules in the CommonGIS system. The dispersion and tradeoff measures for MEDIAN are equal to 0.0, while WLC is characterized by the maximum dispersion and tradeoff of 1.0

The CommonGIS project and system ‘‘Common Access to Geographically
Decision support in CommonGIS
Processing steps for decision support
User interface for OWA
Implementation of the method
Sample application of Web-enabled OWA
Conclusion and outlook
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