Uncertainty of GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation with Ordered Weighted Averaging method

Uncertainty can occur in specifying the relation between the evidence and the decision set, which state the degree to which the evidence suggests the presence of the set. Thus Dempster-Shafer theory is appropriate. The Dempster-Shafer rule of combination provides an important approach to aggregating indirect evidence and incomplete information. In some instances, decisions may be based on a single criterion, but commonly several criteria are required to define the decision set. Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) is a relatively new Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) method. In GIS-based OWA method, both criteria weights and order weights are considered. Calculation method of order weights based on Orness, and construction method of comparison matrix for criteria weights based on analytical hierarchy program (AHP), are introduced; uncertainty of this method is investigated. As an example, GIS-based OWA method is applied to Tangshan City, and three images of belief, plausibility and belief interval are obtained based on Dempster-Shafer theory. The results are analyzed, and some advice is proposed.