Multiobjective Land‐Use Planning Model

Abstract

This paper presents a generalized land‐use model to determine the most efficient utilization of land based on two interactive objectives: (1) Maximization of return; and (2) minimization of the sum of weighted distances among the different land‐use units. The problem is solved according to each separate objective. Each solution is taken as an alternative. The effectiveness of each alternative is calculated (i.e., the sum of weighted efficiencies of each alternative in terms of each objective). The alternative that has the maximum effectiveness is chosen as the most efficient land‐use pattern. A numerical example is given for a hypothetical region. The novelty of this approach is its ability to illustrate the impact of two objectives on the pattern of land‐use and urban form. The results from this model should influence the way decisions are made, simply by changing the informational context within which the decision‐making process takes place. Some possible extensions of the model are suggested for further research.