Site selection for waste disposal through spatial multiple criteria decision analysis

Abstract

This article deals with the application of spatial multiple criteria evaluation (SMCE) concepts and methods to support identification and selection of proper sites for waste disposal. The process makes use of a recently developed SMCE module, integrated into ITC`s existing geographic information system called ILWIS. This module supports application of SMCE in planning and decision making processes through several compensatory and non-compensatory approaches, allowing inclusion of the spatial and thematic priority of decision makers. To demonstrate the process, a landfill site selection problem around the town of Chinchina, in Colombia, is used as an example. Based on different objectives, a spatial data set consisting of several map layers, e.g., land use, geological, landslide distribution, etc., is made available and used for modeling the site selection process.