Suitability analysis

Suitability analysis is the process and procedures used to establish the suitability of a <a href="/facts/System/hmqQ4ASX">system</a> – that is, the ability of a system to meet the needs of a <a href="/facts/Project_stakeholder/y0en0Bgg">stakeholder</a> or other <a href="/facts/User_(system)/zQRzG0KG">user</a>.
Before GIS (a computerized method that helps to determine suitability analysis) was widely used in the mid to late 20th century, city planners communicated their suitability analysis ideas by laying transparencies in increasing darkness over maps of the present conditions. This technique's descendant is used in a GIS application called multicriteria decision analysis. In the 1960s, a mechanism called the ecological inventory process was developed to document existing surrounding land conditions to help inform the analysis for the land in question. These mechanisms were computerized upon the advent of computers due to inefficiencies in the methods, such as the inability to overlay a large number of transparencies.
In order to feed a growing population that is pushing on the ability to extensively farm, suitability analysis is becoming more necessary to utilize the most productive land to its fullest potential, matching the needs of the plants more carefully to the existing assets in the environment. This technique is known as precision farming.
Suitability analysis can also be used to track and label potential hazards, like earthquakes, contamination, or even crime. It can also be used to locate advantageous locations for commercial centers.

Suitability analysis open-in-new

Suitability analysis