A GIS-based method for multi-objective evaluation of park vegetation

In this paper we describe a method for evaluating the concordance between a set of mapped landscape attributes and a set of quantitatively expressed management priorities. The method has proved to be useful in planning urban green areas, allowing objectively documented decisions and helping the resolution of opinion conflicts among decision makers. A case study, involving the evaluation of the vegetation component of a suburban park, is described in detail. The analysis of the case study highlights the power of the method, and of geographical information systems- (GIS-) based decision support methods in general, as a planning aid for green park areas. Their use allowed us not only to propose interesting reorganization plans, but also to give decision makers a better understanding of their own priorities.