WebGIS-based suitability evaluation system for Chinese table grape production

Abstract

China is the largest worldwide producer of table grape, and table grape production has expanded throughout the country with technology advance. However, the vineyards in different regions show discrepant performance due to the multiple natural, locational, economic and technological conditions. This paper aims to develop a WebGIS-based suitability evaluation system for table grape production, and implement efficient and real-time assessment for grape production suitability. Firstly, different kinds of users’ requirements were analyzed, base on which the function modules and the system architecture were designed. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to make the suitability evaluation for the system and the suitability indicators concerning economic benefits, climate, location factors and soil conditions were established. Finally, the system was implemented and then applied in suitability evaluation in sampled areas of China. The system application showed the main functions of the system have been realized and the system can satisfy users’ requirements. The evaluation results show that vineyards with high suitability of table grape production are distributed both in traditional grape planting areas and southern areas where used to be deemed unsuited for grape cultivation. The reasons may be that some areas in south China own superiority in economic conditions, location and the technology.