Risk Assesment / Site Suitablilty

One of the most powerful features of a GIS is the ability to combine numerous thematic layers of data and determine, based on rankings assigned to each of the data layers, a composite score that shows either a preference or aversion for a combination of factors. This form of mapping is sometimes also referred to as multi-criteria mapping and is commonly applied in natural resource studies (e.g., groundwater sensitivity, landslide potential, etc.), economic and service analysis (e.g., site of a new store, community service centre, fire station, etc.), recreation (e.g., location of a hiking trail) and many other landscape planning functions.

When the physical landscape impacts the preference for a site or the way that the landscape is altered, then three-dimensional analysis becomes part of the equation. Using 3D views and models as part of the presentation greatly enhances the ability to illustrate potential constraints or preferences for a site or area based on the landscape.