Assessment of Land Degradation Risk in Ukraine Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS Modeling

Abstract

The paper proposes a methodology for multicriteria decision analysis to assess land degradation risk in Ukraine. The approach is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, which allows for the evaluation of degradation risk using quantitative and qualitative indicators of spatial-functional impact of processes and/or objects located in this territory, represented as a set of criteria layers in GIS. The main stages of the analysis are described: development of the hierarchical structure of the model, preparation of a set of criteria and alternatives, standardization and weighting of criteria, selection of combination rules, and others. The model's feature is the consideration of military-technogenic factors.