Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066
DOI 10.1007/s12517-012-0568-8
ORIGINAL PAPER
GIS-based analytic hierarchy process as a multicriteria
decision analysis instrument: a review
Imtiaz Ahmed Chandio & Abd Nasir B. Matori &
Khamaruzaman B. WanYusof &
Mir Aftab Hussain Talpur & Abdul-Lateef Balogun &
Dano Umar Lawal
Received: 24 January 2012 / Accepted: 15 March 2012 / Published online: 3 April 2012
# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2012
Abstract Information and communication technology,
which has been incorporated and provided in the Geographic
Information System (GIS), is valuable and effective geospatial
information for the decision makers in improving their
decisions in planning and development. The integration of
this GIS using the multicriteria decision analysis approach
provides an environment to the decision makers in citing areas
using land suitability analysis procedures. This review paper
particularly examines the GIS-based analytic hierarchy pro-
cess as a multicriteria analysis/evaluation technique in land
suitability analysis by means of literature reviews and surveys.
Keywords GIS . MCA/MCE . Land suitability analysis
Introduction
Development of the Geographic Information System (GIS)
has made possible the storage of data, establishment of the
integration of data management, and improvement of public
I. A. Chandio (*) : A. N. B. Matori : K. B. WanYusof :
M. A. H. Talpur : A.-L. Balogun : D. U. Lawal
Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas,
Seri Iskandar 31750 Perak, Malaysia
e-mail: imtiazutp@gmail.com
A. N. B. Matori
e-mail: nasrat@petronas.com.my
K. B. WanYusof
e-mail: khamaruzaman.yusof@petronas.com.my
M. A. H. Talpur
e-mail: mir_aftab@yahoo.com
A.-L. Balogun
e-mail: geospatial63@gmail.com
D. U. Lawal
e-mail: bblawaldano@gmail.com
participation. Many developments have been achieved in
the evolving information technology that has changed with
time: (1) data during the 1960s, (2) information during the
1970s, (3) knowledge in the 1980s, and intelligence in the
1990s (Brail and Klosterman 1997).
Since the 1970s, GIS technology has given the distinctive
capability of automating and analyzing a variety of spatial
data. It has also evolved into a mature research and appli-
cation area concerning various fields, namely geography,
civil engineering, computer science, land-use planning,
and environmental science (Church 2002). At present, the
GIS is a powerful tool in spatial modeling (Peuquet and Marble
1990; Klosterman 1995; Yaakup et al. 2004) which involves a
large number of spatial decision problems (Malczewski 2006a)
providing alternative scenarios (Yaakup et al. 2005; Ludin and
Yaakup 2006) in the context of maps. Spatial decision prob-
lems have extensively increased being applied in land suit-
ability using the GIS-based multicriteria analysis (GIS–
MCA). Therefore, integration of the GIS and the multicriteria
decision analysis (MCDA) will provide a unique and useful
solution to problems associated with (Vaidya and Kumar
2006) analyzing spatial decision problems. The objective of
this paper is to highlight extensively, the use of the GIS-based
MCDA in land suitability analysis and in various spatial
problems.
Land suitability mainly deals with a large amount of data
and involves multifactors. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
is a classical land suitability analysis procedure, which gives a
systematic approach in making proper decisions for site selec-
tion. It also suggests the integration of the GIS-based land
suitability model for site selection (Mendoza 1997).
In addition, GIS-based land suitability analysis techniques
are useful to decision makers, engineers, and planners to
provide a framework for land development as pointed out in
the technical literature (Banai-Kashani 1989; Collins et al.
3060 Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066

2001; Marinoni 2004; Mohit and Ali 2006; Steiner et al. AHP as an MCDA tool
2001). This paper shows that the GIS-based AHP technique
can be beneficial for future research work and will help in There are two possible ways in multicriteria decision anal-
different fields such as engineering and planning. Engineers ysis research itself. It has distinct characteristics about
and planners can get an in-depth sight and understanding of results and draws conclusions from observations on the
the extent of the AHP in a land suitability analysis. various subjects—object and feelings or an idea. The first
task is to analyze and study the different properties of
GIS in land suitability analysis subjects then summarize the results and draw conclusions
about the observations. The second task is compared with
The AHP provides a framework for the decision-making other similar entities to analyze and correlate these compar-
process and deals with the integrated GIS spatial analysis for isons (Saaty 2008). The AHP is an eigenvalue technique to
the relative suitability of land. It is now a well-established an the pair-wise comparisons approach. It provides a numerical
integrated GIS-based MCDA method is used in spatial anal- fundamental scale, which ranges from 1 to 9 to calibrate the
ysis for suitable site selection (Mohit and Ali 2006). Examples quantitative and qualitative performances of priorities
of land suitability approaches are used for locating different (Saaty 2008). Table 1 enlists the references regarding deci-
facilities (Basnet et al. 2001; Chandio et al. 2011), e.g., land sion making using the AHP as a multicriteria analysis.
fill site selection (Alfy et al. 2010; Yahaya et al. 2010; Hussin A structured decision making approach using expert
et al. 2010; Abdullah et al. 2011) and land suitability analysis judgments is as follows:
(Carr and Zwick 2005; Jafari and Zaredar 2010; Lotfi et al.
1. Define the problem
2009; Tudes and Yigiter 2010). However, Tudes and Yigiter
2. Develop a hierarchy construction of the problem at
(2010) described the GIS and MCDA as an important pace in
different stages to determine objectives and outcomes
site selection that employs a sustainable land-use planning
of the problem based on the aim, criterion, and
approach.
alternatives
3. Weight against each criterion using numerical pair-wise
GIS in urban planning and development
comparison scale
4. Perform computations to find the maximum eigenvalue,
The rapid urbanization process in developing countries
consistency index, consistency ratio (CR), and normalized
has increased because of development goals. At present,
values for each criteria/alternative
there cannot be long-term measures for future conse-
5. If there is any matrix with an unacceptable CR value or
quences due to uncontrolled and uncontrollable devel-
composite weight, i.e., >0.10, the expert is required to
opment. However, the physical, environmental, and
make a judgment on that matrix repeatedly till these
socio-economic aspects in fact are being suffered at
values lie in a desired level (Lee and Chan 2008)
the largest level. It seems that the planning system has an
important role in managing and controlling the development The AHP manages to ensure involvement of group deci-
trends. AHP is a widely used technique in the MCDA method sions. The principle considered in the AHP to solve prob-
for urban planning and management in land suitability. Cur- lems is to build hierarchies. The hierarchy allows for the
rently, the development of the GIS has a large influence on the assessment of the contribution individual criterion at lower
dynamic nature of urban and regional development. Applica- levels made to criterion at higher levels of the hierarchy.
tion of the GIS for strategic planning in high-level strategic The general purpose of the AHP is to assist the decision-
planning refers to the National Physical Plan, Regional Plan makers in selecting the best alternative from the various
and State Structure Plan and local planning level (Yaakup et possible choice alternatives under the presence of multiple
al. 2005). The GIS provides an integrated land-use assessment
(ILA) for planning and monitoring urban development. How- Table 1 References on the topic of “AHP”
ever, Whatif? The Planning support system GIS software is
applied in ILA model. There are two types of analysis of ILA, Series Ref. no Authors Application areas Methods used
no.
namely the land resource assessment and the land capacity
assessment (Yaakup et al. 2004). 1 50 Saaty (1980) Decision making MCA/AHP
The spatial analysis function of the ArcGIS supports, i.e., 2 51 Saaty (1985) Decision making MCA/AHP
identification and collection of spatial data, weighting with 3 52 Saaty (1994) Decision making MCA/AHP
AHP, data integration and GIS analysis, and output evalua- 4 53 Saaty (2003) Decision making MCA/AHP
tion. The ArcGIS platform is used to overlay the factors to 5 54 Saaty (2007) Decision making MCA/AHP/ANP
make a composite map which acts as a suitable land for any 6 55 Saaty (2008) Decision making MCA/AHP
development (Uy and Nakagoshi 2008).
Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066
priorities. There are different applications of the AHP, i.e.,
Vaidya and Kumar (2006) described applications of the
AHP in different subjects. The author has performed these
AHP applications favorable—these applications have been
categorized into three classes, namely (a) applications based
on a theme (selection, evaluation, benefit–cost analysis,
allocations, planning and development, priority and ranking,
and decision making); (b) specific applications (forecasting,
and medicine and related fields). Nevertheless, there is a gap
in his article that he has not highlighted and that is multi-
criteria analysis in spatial decision problems, such as land
suitability analysis. Currently, this is a sustainable approach
selecting suitable sites using a GIS-based MCA.
Weighted linear combination method
The analytic hierarchy process (Saaty 1980) is a multiple
criteria decision-making instrument which combines spatial
analysis functions of the GIS (Chandio et al. 2011) in land
suitability analysis producing suitability maps. In this regard,
the most important AHP and weighted linear combination
(WLC) method is one integrated with different GIS data
layers. It can produce suitability models in any kind of deci-
sion making analysis for land-use suitability evaluation (Zhou
et al. 2005), Parks Suitability (Chandio et al. 2011), evaluation
of urban development suitability (Youssef et al. 2010), site
suitability for waste disposal (Mahini and Gholamalifard
2006), urban land-use management (Soltani et al. 2011), land-
fill site selection (Hussin et al. 2010), and site selection for a
new city (Aly et al. 2005). The purpose of this paper is to give
a clear role of the GIS and multicriteria decision making
methods and provide framework for integrating the GIS with
the MCDA in a land suitability analysis.
GIS and multicriteria analysis in spatial problems
Since the last three decades, GIS technology has grown tre-
mendously as a new geographic information technology pro-
cessing tool which has a potential in managing and analyzing
various kinds of spatial data for example, natural resource
management, environmental pollution and hazard control,
regional planning, urban development, and utilities manage-
ment (Jankowski 1995). Carver (1991) referred to the basic
concept of the multicriteria analysis technique as “to investi-
gate a number of choice possibilities in the light of multiple
criteria and conflicting objectives” (Voogd 1983).
The final goal of the GIS is to inject a spatial decision-
making process. The spatial decision-making process has
been categorized in three stages: intelligence, design, and
choice as presented in Fig. 1 and the structure for spatial
multicriteria decision analysis is shown in Fig. 2.
3061
Is there a problem or an
Intelligence opportunity for change?
Design Phase What are the alternatives?
Choice
Which alternative is best?
Fig. 1 Three stages of decision making process. Source: Rahman et al.
(2008)
Ahmad et al. (2010) applied the GIS in the environmental
risk assessment of hillside developments to evaluate projects
at the initial level. The parameters were chosen based on
standard geotechnical reports, slope gradient, soil profile,
rock quality designation, plastic index, shear strength, and
land-use suitability. Each parameter is classified into risk
ratings based on existing standards and guidelines. Based on
risk ratings, risk probability was analyzed. The site should
be selected keeping in view where the risk probability is
“very low risk area” approved for developments.
Pradhan and Lee (2010) used the frequency ratio, logistic
regression, and artificial neutral network models called sta-
tistical models combined in the GIS to determine land
susceptibility and triggering factors associated with land-
slide prone areas. To assess landslide areas, the factors used
were topographical, geological, soil types, and the normal-
ized difference vegetation index. The landslide hazard map
was produced using the three models above. The purpose
was to measure the best hazard map by using various mod-
eling techniques. The obtained results indicated that the
logistic regression model was the most accurate and was
Problem Definition Intelligence
Evaluation Criteria
Constraint
Decision Matrix Alternatives
Decision Maker’s Preference
Design
Decision Rules
Suitability analysis
Choice
Recommendation
Fig. 2 Framework for spatial multicriteria decision analysis. Source:
Rahman et al. (2008)
3062 Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066

more realistic than the frequency ratio and the artificial
neutral network models.
Dai and Zhang (2001) used the GIS-based MCA to evalu-
ate the geoenvironmental for land suitability incorporating
criteria, i.e., topography, surficial and bedrock geology,
ground water conditions, and historic geologic hazard factors.
In this regard, the AHP was performed using the pair-wise
comparison matrix for assessing the weights of factors. The
computed weights of factors were used in the WLC model to
create a suitability map. Conventionally, geoenvironmental
evaluation and mapping is cumbersome terms of time.
Nevertheless, the combined GIS methodology with the AHP
is able to provide the opportunity for assessing optimal sites
for development using land suitability approach to protect the
natural environment. The aim of the geoenvironmental eval-
uation is to draw attention and assistance to policy makers,
planners, and developers in making best land-use alternatives
for determining potential land parcels for development. The
GIS provides a scale of accuracy and great potential in geo-
environmental evaluation for urban development.
Ayalew et al. (2004) demonstrated land susceptibility
mapping using a GIS-based WLC method. They mentioned
six landslide-controlling factors including lithology, slope
gradient, aspect, elevation, plan curvature, and profile cur-
vature. These factors are commonly contributed in landslide
risks. Each factor was assigned weights by using a pair-wise
comparison matrix for calculating factor weights. This
approach is called the multicriteria analysis and is used to
combine a set of factors to produce a suitability map
accordingly. The obtained factor weights were incorporated
in the GIS by using the WLC method to produce a landslide
susceptibility map, which is useful for determining landslide
spatial prone areas. The GIS has been applied to land sus-
ceptibility areas and determined hazard areas using the
combined MCA statistical modeling as depicted in Table 2.
Baban et al. (2007) discussed the geoinformatics approach
when applied in hillsides development and how to manage
development in the same situation. This causes environmen-
tal, social, and economic problems. They developed a ques-
tionnaire to collect existing data layers about the specific
criteria for land-use development, namely topography, critical
slope, land-use/land cover, watersheds, agricultural land
capability, settlements, hazard susceptibility, road networks,
and environmental-sensitive areas. Land development prob-
lems can be managed using by geoinformatics management
tools, which are effectively being used in land-use develop-
ment, such as the GIS, remote sensing, and global positioning
system. These tools determine the appropriate capacity of the
land suitability analysis for built development on hillsides
despite poverty information.
Youssef et al. (2010) described that the GIS-based multi-
criterion analysis AHP approach is the best way of assessing
land suitability of urban development in different environ-
ments. They used WLC which combines various kinds of
data types. Therefore, the contribution of the AHP is well
known to determine site suitability in different modes of
development, namely urban, industrial, and tourist. To avoid
environmentally prospective risk areas, a GIS-based AHP
attempts to provide a blue print at the beginning stage for
commissioning any kind of development projects to the
decision makers.
Tudes and Yigiter (2010) mentioned that fast growth of
urban areas is a serious dilemma in developing countries due
to rural to urban migration. This leads to multiple new sites for
accommodation of the growing population. In this context, it
is essential to find out optimal sites; such sites should be
evaluated based on geoenvironmental factors with the purpose
of a sustainable environment and avoiding natural hazards.
However, the AHP as an MCA integrated with GIS is a great
approach for determining suitable sites. It deals with a com-
plex spatial decision tree, where scientific aspects are to be
applied to optimize land-use planning using WLC.
Gul et al. (2006) proposed the MCA for valuating suit-
able locations for urban forests. The MCA is an important

Table 2 References on the topic

of “hazard susceptibility” Series no. Ref. no. Authors Application areas Methods used

1 2 Ahmad et al. (2010) Environmental risk Statistical/GIS

assessment
2 6 Ayalew et al. (2004) Landslide susceptibility WLC/GIS
3 14 Chan (1998) Environmental hazards –
4 19 Dai and Zhang (2001) Geoenvironmental MCA/GIS
5 22 Gahgah et al. (2009) Landslide hazard Zonation map/GIS
6 33 Lee and Pradhan (2007) Landslide hazard Statistical and GIS
7 44 Nicoll (2010) Hazard vulnerability Overlay/GIS
8 48 Pradhan and Lee (2010) Landslide hazards Statistical/GIS
9 66 Westen (2000) Landslide hazards Deterministic models/GIS
10 72 Zolfaghari and Heath Landslide Probabilistic/GIS
(2008)
Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066 3063

method, where urban areas have a lack of green spaces. The cities. On the other hand, the MCA is widely used in land
idea was new using the MCA for suitability of urban forests in suitability from different aspects for urban area development.

Table 3 References on the topic of “MCA”

Series no. Ref. no. Authors Application Methods used

1 47 Pourebrahim et al. (2011) Coastal land-use development ANP/GIS

2 3 Al-Shalabi et al. (2006) LSA in housing MCA/GIS
3 5 Aly et al. (2005) Site suitability Of urban development AHP/GIS
4 7 Baban et al. (2007) Land suitability MCA/GIS
5 8 Bakhtiarifar et al. (2008) Land-use changes MCA/AHP
6 9 Banai-Kashani (1989) Site suitability AHP
7 13 Carver (1991) Site selection MCE/GIS
8 15 Chandio et al. (2011) Parks suitability AHP/GIS
9 16 Chen (2009) LSA in agriculture land MCA/AHP/GIS
10 17 Church (2002) Location science GIS
11 18 Collins et al. (2001) Land-use suitability Overview
12 20 Dong et al. (2008) Urban development suitability AHP/GIS
13 21 Duc (2006) Land-use suitability AHP/GIS
14 23 Gul et al. (2006) Land suitability of urban forest MCA/GIS
15 24 Hossain et al. (2007) Land-use classification AHP/GIS
16 27 Jankowski (1995) MCDM MCDM/GIS
17 28 Joerin et al. (2001) Land-use suitability MCA/GIS
18 29 Kalogirou (2002) Land suitability evaluation Land Classification/GIS
19 30 Klosterman (1995) Land information system GIS
20 11 Brail and Klosterman (1997) PSS PSS
21 31 Laaribi et al. (1996) SDSS MCA/GIS
22 32 Lee and Chan (2008) Urban renewal AHP/GIS
23 34 Lotfi et al. (2009) Urban development suitability AHP/GIS
24 37 Malczewski (2006a) MCDA Review GIS/MCA
25 38 Malczewski (2006b) Land-use suitability OWA/GIS
26 39 Marinoni (2004) Land-use assessment AHP/GIS
27 40 Mendoza (1997) Land-use suitability AHP/GIS
28 41 Miller et al. (1998) Greenway land suitability MCA/GIS
29 42 Mohit and Ali (2006) Urban development AHP/GIS
30 43 Nas et al. (2010) Landfill site MCA/GIS
31 45 Peuquet and Marble (1990) General GIS
32 46 Phua and Minowa (2005) Forest conservation planning MCDM/GIS
33 49 Rahman et al. (2008) Site selection SW MCA/GIS
34 57 Steiner et al. (2001) Land suitability Suitability analysis
35 58 Store and Kangas (2001) Habitat suitability MCA/GIS
36 59 Trung et al. (2006) LAND-USE PLANNING MCE/GIS
37 60 Tudes and Yigiter (2010) Land-use planning AHP/GIS
38 61 Uy and Nakagoshi (2008) LSA urban green space planning MCA/AHP/GIS
39 62 Vaidya and Kumar (2006) AHP (MCA) Review
40 63 Voogd (1983) General –
41 67 Yaakup et al. (2005) Urban planning PSS/GIS
42 67 Yaakup et al. (2004) Land-use assessment PSS/GIS
43 69 Ying et al. (2007) Eco-environmental quality AHP/GIS
44 70 Youssef et al. (2010) Urban development AHP/GIS
45 72 Zhou et al. (2005) Suitability evaluation of land MCA/GIS
3064 Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066

Table 4 List of referred references 90.00

80.00
Series no. References No of references % 70.00

Percentage
60.00
1 Papers 58 80.56 50.00
2 Books 4 5.56 40.00
30.00
3 Conference 10 13.89
20.00
Total 72 100.00
10.00
0.00
Papers Books Confer.
This approach was based on three multiple scenarios, i.e., Fig. 3 Number of referred references in paper
initial, feasibility, and suitability phases. It was hoped that if
this approach is incorporated in future development plans, it The general purpose of the AHP is to support the
would be viable for meeting the future demand of urban decision-makers in selecting the best alternative from the
expansions. various possible choice alternatives under the presence of
Miller et al. (1998) described that green corridors are multiple priorities (Jankowski 1995). Figure 3 highlights the
essential in order to protect natural environments and to extent of the referred references in this review.
give recreational advantages to the urban areas. They Figure 4 provides a percentage distribution of the review
designed a greenway suitability analysis with integrated papers and books in various time scales. The literature
GIS analysis to find out suitable sites for greenway devel- survey shows that the GIS-based AHP application in spatial
opment. The purpose was to restore the concept of land- problems has been increasing for three decades. From 2001
scape planning, to improve the built environment, and to to 2010, breakthroughs have been made for an integrated
enhance the recreational facilities for the society. It is very use of the GIS-based MCA. It validates the realization of
necessary for preserving open spaces and natural habitats to researchers for the need of a GIS-based MCDA.
make a balanced ecosystem. Table 3 illustrates the multi- Nowadays, computer technology is widely used as a
criteria analysis/evaluation methods in land suitability for decision support tool. Hence, there is an urgent need for
various kinds of planning and development. GIS technology to be integrated in the decision-making
process towards achieving sustainable development. Based
on the aforementioned reason, the following questions were
Concluding remarks raised in the context of the GIS-based AHP, which leads to
the conclusion of this analysis:
An effort has been made in this paper to review the existing
1. How and why have researchers focused so much em-
research literature and it has observed that AHP is proven as
phasis on the use of computer technology with modified
a developed decision making instrument in finding optimal
methods in land suitability of any kind of development?
land for development. Table 1, for instance, describes the
2. To what level are the existing planning and develop-
importance of AHP in decision making as a multicriteria
ment processes delivering such an emphasis on land-use
analysis and evaluation which breaks the problem at the
development? If they are incapable, what kind of
bottom level. The aim is particularly useful for various kinds
of spatial problems like land susceptibility, land-use plan-
ning, land suitability analysis, and site selection as shown in 3%
Tables 2 and 3. Table 4 shows the list of referred references 4%
in this paper and the distribution of review papers over the 5%
years are depicted in Table 5. 1980-1985
8%
1986-1990
Table 5 Distribution of
referred references over Year No. Percentage 1991-1995
the years
1980–1985 3 4.17 1996-2000
56%
1986–1990 2 2.78
24% 2001-2005
1991–1995 4 5.56
1996–2000 6 8.33 2006-2010
2001–2005 17 23.61
2006–2010 40 55.56
Total 72 100.00
Fig. 4 Distribution of review papers and books over the years
Arab J Geosci (2013) 6:3059–3066
modifications may be required in resource allocation for
successful development?
3. What are the likely motivations that will turn the usage
of the GIS into as a policy making tool, whether it is
successful or not?
These questions explain the sustainable nature of the
development process. Another question is “How are hazards
at the beginning levels reduce?” In addition, for the sustain-
able approach, it is crucial that we use computer technology
in planning and development decision-making process to
reduce the intensity of future hazards at the beginning level.
The sustainable site selection is considered as a component
of sustainable development, which is stated by the World
Commission on Environment and Development as that form
of development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs (WCED 1987).
This review paper articulates the augmentation of the
GIS–AHP as a multicriteria analysis tool for existing and
future complex scenarios, e.g., hillside development. How-
ever, land-use planners always deal with complex decisions
within a short time period, when they must take into con-
sideration sustainable development approaches in order to
utilize land suitability models (Maps) in decision making.
GIS technology has been used to determine suitable sites
incorporating the multicriteria analysis approach (Joerin et
al. 2001). Therefore, the integration of the GIS with the
AHP has been found useful in considering the land suitabil-
ity analysis for development. AHP applications demand the
use of professional computer application skills in a complex
environment. In this regard, Expert Choice is the most
successful computer software package that can overcome
the complexities of land suitability analysis models. Lotfi et
al. (2009) stated that the MCDA provides a bright platform
to analyze a huge number of criteria/factors which can play
a significant part in determining optimal locations of various
types of land uses. The GIS-based MCDA for land suitabil-
ity models has been proven to facilitate efficiency from the
economic point of view as compared to the traditional
methods. The authors think this review can contribute and
will be helpful as a prepared reference for those who wish to
integrate GIS with AHP as a multicriteria decision analysis
instrument for various land-use analyses.
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