FUZZY SETS APPROACH TO SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND PLANNING - A NONTECHNICAL EVALUATION

Uncertainty in spatial analysis and planning has conventionally been treated as a consequence of random oc- currence of exact spatial events. The present paper, however, argues that fuzziness is actually a major contributory factor to most of the uncertain spatial behavior. Exactitude in represent- ing, analyzing, and predicting human behaviors over space and time is difficult if not impossible to accomplish in a fuzzy environment characterized by ambiguous or incomplete infor- mation and inexact cognitive and decision-making processes. Fuzzy sets theory is proposed as an appropriate framework for a formal representation and analysis of inexact spatial con- cepts, structures, and processes. In place of a technical pre- sentation, the versatility of fuzzy sets theory in spatial analysis and planning is discussed from a pedagogical point of view. Applications of the theory to the conceptualization of impre- cise spatial concepts, analysis of uncertain spatial behavior, and spatial decision analysis and planning are examined. Di- rections for further research in these areas are proposed. Compared to conventional methods, fuzzy sets approach appears to be more natural and powerful in analyzing impreci- sion of human spatial behaviors. Policy analysis and planning with inexact information and value-based standards can also be effectively handled. Though the development and applica- tions of fuzzy sets theory to spatial analysis and planning has been limited and fragmentary, its potential contributions to various areas of research such as behavioral geography, carto- graphy, remote sensing, and soft spatial data analysis are per- ceivable. It may prove to be a promising direction for the