Problem
The ESRI module Using Raster Data for Site Selection was completed to explore a suitability analysis for a new wine vineyard in California. There are several factors that influence the wine flavor and this exercise specifically looks at slope, aspect, and distance to roads. Since these characteristics all have different units of analysis, they will be reclassified, weighted based on importance, then combined to create one image depicting all features of interest. Mastering this type of analysis can save time and labor in the crucial site selection process
Analysis Procedures
There are several methods of site selection analysis, including binary, weighted, and fuzzy logic. Since the winery will have a specific boundary and we are interested in backup options, the weighted site selection is the best option. First, the raster data was transformed into the respective spatial analyst feature (i.e., elevation raster was the input feature in the Aspect tool). Once all rasters were created via the Spatial Analyst tools, they were reclassified using a 1 to 5 scale with 5 representing the most suitable. The three reclassifications (slope, distance, aspect) were then weighted - with aspect weighted as most important followed by slope then distance. The resulting raster shows an overlay of all the features with units that now make sense.
The ESRI module Using Raster Data for Site Selection was completed to explore a suitability analysis for a new wine vineyard in California. There are several factors that influence the wine flavor and this exercise specifically looks at slope, aspect, and distance to roads. Since these characteristics all have different units of analysis, they will be reclassified, weighted based on importance, then combined to create one image depicting all features of interest. Mastering this type of analysis can save time and labor in the crucial site selection process
Analysis Procedures
There are several methods of site selection analysis, including binary, weighted, and fuzzy logic. Since the winery will have a specific boundary and we are interested in backup options, the weighted site selection is the best option. First, the raster data was transformed into the respective spatial analyst feature (i.e., elevation raster was the input feature in the Aspect tool). Once all rasters were created via the Spatial Analyst tools, they were reclassified using a 1 to 5 scale with 5 representing the most suitable. The three reclassifications (slope, distance, aspect) were then weighted - with aspect weighted as most important followed by slope then distance. The resulting raster shows an overlay of all the features with units that now make sense.
Results
Aspect and Reclassified Aspect
Aspect and Reclassified Aspect
Slope and Reclassified Slope
Euclidean Distance and Reclassified Distance
Weight Assignment and Final Overlay of Reclassified Surfaces
Application and Reflection
Cities with dense development may wish to add in more green or open space to provide a place for leisure and recreation. Site selection for a new park would prove difficult with competing development plans and the need for housing with the urbanized population increases. City planners may want to complete a suitability analysis to find five potential sites for a new city park.
Cities with dense development may wish to add in more green or open space to provide a place for leisure and recreation. Site selection for a new park would prove difficult with competing development plans and the need for housing with the urbanized population increases. City planners may want to complete a suitability analysis to find five potential sites for a new city park.
- New Problem Description: City planners may want to complete a suitability analysis to find five potential sites for a new city park. The park must be on a plot of land that is at least 1 acre, has at least 15 percent shade from tree canopies, is within 0.5 mile of a mixed-use development and has a gentle slope.
- Data Needed: The Metropolitan planning organization would provide the needed data including: a raster image of the city of interest, a shapefile of polygon parcels with land use codes, tree canopy raster, elevation raster to calculate slope, and the polyline shapefile to represent streets.
- Analysis Procedures: The feature with the highest weight is acreage, followed by proximity to mixed-use development, then slope and lastly, tree shade. Once these characteristics are calculated into rasters using the Spatial Analyst Toolbox, the units will be reclassified based on a 1 to 5 scale with 5 indicating the most ideal unit (i.e., 1.5 to 15 percent slope). Then, the weighted overlay tool will be used to create one raster showing all elements with similar units.