Using soft-systems methods to evaluate the outputs from multi-objective land use planning tools

摘要: Land managers are increasingly faced with complex decisions requiring the consideration of tradeoffs between multiple, non-commensurable objectives. Such have profound effects on financial, social and environmental sustainability land use systems. One approach to assisting these has been development computer-based decision support systems (DSS). While such demonstrably able make analyses multi-objective land-use planning problems, answers they produce relevant useful practitioners? This paper reports a workshop-based, soft-systems analysis outputs from spatial, tool. The outlines taken in developing system, focusing tools. These tools genetic algorithms define structure trade-off then details softsystems-based evaluation strategy. other professionals range backgrounds were asked devise individual “best compromise” plans, balancing financial landscape diversity goals, for farm upland Scotland. Sub-groups set task agreeing plan members group. process used methods facilitated discussion reporting back sub-groups. managers’ sub-groups’ plans analysed DSS results compared From this qualitative responses within workshop it was possible conclude that provided means exploring patterns could be adopted management unit. identified number assumptions made by usefully incorporated into operation DSS. based tool is recommended, not only evaluating performance tools, but also ensuring answering correctly formulated problem.