Computational and Visual Tools for Geospatial Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

Abstract: Geospatial multi-criteria decision-making usually concerns quasi-continuous choice models, with the number of alternatives constrained only by the limits of the used representation model. This sets high demands on the decision-making methods used in the context. The most commonly used approach in geospatial decision-making is combining a method for assigning criteria weights with an aggregation method. As pairwise comparison of alternatives is not feasible when the number of alternatives is large, the weights are usually assigned to criteria without considering the values or the value ranges of the alternatives, an approach often criticized in the decision analysis literature. Apart from criteria weighting controversy, this approach does not allow for advanced use of interactive visualization in the choice phase of the decision-making process. In this thesis, two alternative methods for geospatial decision-making based on the even swaps method are developed. The first method relies on automation of swaps, which makes this method viable for decision problems with any number of alternatives. The second method emanates from the findings of behavioral decision theory, and combines even swaps with reduction of large data sets through quasi-satisficing, allowing for efficient use of interactive visualization in the choice phase of the decision process. Visualization frameworks for both methods are also developed in the thesis. They include both geo-specific representations, such as interactive maps, and infovis techniques such as graphs, diagrams, scatterplots and parallel coordinates. Two studies concerning the impact of interactive visualization on decision-making are presented in the thesis: a study concerning the impact of interactive visualization on geospatial decision-making, and a study concerning potential effects of visual saliency on decision-making. The results of the first study indicated positive effects of interactive visualization on coherency and consistency in performing trade-offs. The results of the second study show that visual saliency may help decision-makers make better decisions. The work presented in this thesis contributes to method development and the use of interactive visualization in the context of geospatial decision-making.