ABSTRACT

This paper examines the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

over the decision-making process, by a study of comparison between Analytic Hierarchy
Process (AHP) and Analytic Network Process (ANP). It provides an overview of the
decision-making theory and of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), stressing the
importance of understanding both, in order to accomplish the desired results. The paper
also includes a case study involving land allocation in Lake Nakuru National Park,
Central Kenya. In the first part of the case study, land allocation decisions are made using
AHP's software IDRISI, while in the second part the ultimate goal of Long Term
Economic Benefits for the Nakuru area is approached by the creation of a network model
via ANP's software Super-Decisions. A discussion of the Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP) and Analytic Network Process (ANP), as well as a comparison between them with
respect to the results obtained for the case study, enumerating the advantages and
disadvantages and also further research ideas, are included.
ii
PrioritiesfromLimit
Supermatrix
PrioritiesNormalized
by Cluster
1Alternatives 1Industrial
2Residential
3Park
0.06455
0.04874
0.03411
0.43792
0.33066
0.23141
Sum 0.14740 1
2Distancefrom Park I Tourism
2EnvironmentalPollution
0.04562
0.03303
0.58004
0.41996
Sum 0.07865 1
3Proximity toRoads I ExistingRoads
2Transportation
0.16276
0.20329
0.44464
0.55536
Sum 0.36605 1
4ProximitytoTown I Labor
2Services
0.12197
0.12377
0.49634
0.50366
Sum 0.24574 1
5SlopeGradient 1ConstructionCosts
2Erosion
3FloorAreas
0.08960
0.04654
0.02604
0.55247
0.28697
0.16056
Sum 0. 16218 1
Table5.5: Overall PrioritiesObtainedfromLimitSupermatrix
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