Exploring a knowledge-based procedure for developmental suitability analysis

Abstract Traditional methods developed to assist in the determination of developmental suitability have been criticized for their subjective nature, methodological complexity, lack of uniformity and lack of mathematical validity. While these limitations may raise questions regarding the correctness of a given suitability interpretation, the pressures to develop land dictate an ever-increasing need to incorporate concepts like capability and suitability into the equation to ensure the careful and rational use of land resources. An alternative approach to the suitability analysis problem is presented in this paper. This abandons traditional map-based procedures, replacing them with a knowledge-based procedure that enables an expert system to form the critical expression of developmental constraint. The prototype expert system, SUITABLY, was writtten using the EXSYS expert system shell and consists of 110 rules that guide the user through the land evaluation process.

[1]  Daniel G. Bobrow,et al.  Expert systems: perils and promise , 1986, CACM.

[2]  Donald A. Waterman,et al.  A Guide to Expert Systems , 1986 .

[3]  Robert G. Bailey,et al.  Problems with using overlay mapping for planning and their implications for geographic information systems , 1988 .

[4]  James R. Slagle,et al.  A Method for Evaluating Candidate Expert System Applications , 1988, AI Mag..

[5]  James K. Lein.  An expert system approach to environmental impact assessment , 1989 .

[6]  C. D. Perman,et al.  A PLANNER'S INTRODUCTION TO EXPERT SYSTEMS , 1987 .

[7]  Mark Chignell,et al.  Expert Systems For Experts , 1988 .

[8]  R. Kiefer.  Land evaluation for land use planning , 1965 .

[9]  I. Mcharg.  Design With Nature , 1969 .

[10]  L. Ortolano.  Environmental planning and decision making , 1984 .

[11]  Philip N. Omi,et al.  An application of multivariate statistics to land-use planning: classifying land units into homogeneous zones. , 1979 .

[12]  J. R Jensen,et al.  Solid and hazardous waste disposal site selection using digital geographic information system techniques , 1986 .

[13]  David J. Varnes,et al.  The logic of geological maps, with reference to their interpretation and use for engineering purposes , 1974 .

[14]  Michael Leary.  The role of expert systems in development control , 1987 .

[15]  Casimir A. Kulikowski,et al.  A Practical Guide to Designing Expert Systems , 1984 .

[16]  P. M. Nanninga,et al.  GEOMYCIN: towards a geographic expert system for resource management , 1985 .

[17]  Ken Eason,et al.  A USER CENTRED APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF A KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEM , 1987 .

[18]  J R Davis,et al.  ADAPT: A Knowledge-Based Decision Support System for Producing Zoning Schemes , 1987 .

[19]  Ian Cullen.  Expert systems in planning analysis , 1986 .

[20]  Frederick R. Steiner,et al.  Resource suitability: Methods for analyses , 1983 .

[21]  Hsai-Yang Fang,et al.  A unified approach to the assessment of waste disposal sites , 1987 .

[22]  G. E. Jones,et al.  A computer-based land resource information system: A geographical contribution to land use planning , 1987 .

[23]  J R Davis,et al.  Roles for Knowledge-Based Systems in Environmental Planning , 1987 .