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University of Padua IMAGE Department |
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MCDM |
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Multi-Criteria Decision Models (MCDM) are widely used in many different disciplines, in particular in planning procedures and environmental impact assessments. |
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MCDM consists of one bi-dimensional matrix: the rows represent the alternative sites (A), and the columns are the criteria (c) by which the sites are judged. The weight of each criterion is also estimated. |
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The various methodologies differ from each other in the way they compute these values and aggregate elements and criteria weights into some final scores. |
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As most of these models are based upon the “utility theory”, if the criteria have positive value, the more the weight, the most suitable is the site. |
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Site selection is performed by assessing each site with respect to every criterion and regulatory constrain (veto criterion). |
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1. First list of suitable areas (two main problems: too many sites, no site fulfilling the initial prerequisites). 2. Collection and management of a large amounts of data concerning the characterisation of the areas. 3. Deeper on-site investigations. 4. Potential environmental risks estimation (this aspect partially concerns the design phase). |
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Main critical elements (potential problems) |