Suitability analysis
Encyclopedia
Suitability Analysis is the process and procedures used to establish the suitability of a system
- that is, the ability of a system to meet the needs of a or other .
-based process used to determine the appropriateness of a given area for a particular use. The basic premise of GIS suitability analysis is that each aspect of the landscape has intrinsic
characteristics that are in some degree either suitable or unsuitable for the activities being planned. Suitability is determined through systematic, multi-factor analysis of the different aspect of the terrain. Model inputs include a variety of physical, cultural, and economic factors. The results are often displayed on a map that is used to highlight areas from high to low suitability.
A GIS suitability model typically answers the question, "Where is the best location?" — whether it involves finding the best location for a new road or pipeline, a new housing development, or a retail store. For instance, a commercial developer building a new retail store may
take into consideration distance to major highways and any competitors' stores, then combine the results with land use
, population density, and consumer spending data to decide on the best location for that store.
System
System is a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole....
- that is, the ability of a system to meet the needs of a or other .
Suitability in GIS context
Suitability analysis in a GIS context is a geographic, or GISGeographic Information System
A geographic information system, geographical information science, or geospatial information studies is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data...
-based process used to determine the appropriateness of a given area for a particular use. The basic premise of GIS suitability analysis is that each aspect of the landscape has intrinsic
Intrinsic and extrinsic properties
An intrinsic property is an essential or inherent property of a system or of a material itself or within. It is independent of how much of the material is present and is independent of the form the material, e.g., one large piece or a collection of smaller pieces...
characteristics that are in some degree either suitable or unsuitable for the activities being planned. Suitability is determined through systematic, multi-factor analysis of the different aspect of the terrain. Model inputs include a variety of physical, cultural, and economic factors. The results are often displayed on a map that is used to highlight areas from high to low suitability.
A GIS suitability model typically answers the question, "Where is the best location?" — whether it involves finding the best location for a new road or pipeline, a new housing development, or a retail store. For instance, a commercial developer building a new retail store may
take into consideration distance to major highways and any competitors' stores, then combine the results with land use
Land use
Land use is the human use of land. Land use involves the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as fields, pastures, and settlements. It has also been defined as "the arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land cover...
, population density, and consumer spending data to decide on the best location for that store.
GIS Applications
- Land use analysis: Most jurisdictions use land suitability analysis for site selection, impact studies, and land use planning.
- Retail site selection: Suitability analysis is critical for both marketing and merchandising purposes, as well as for choosing new retail locations.
- Agriculture
- Defense
- Crime analysis
- Town Planning