Using the analytical hierarchy process to support sustainable use of geo-resources in metropolitan areas

Sand and gravel are important raw materials which are needed for many civil engineering projects. Due to economic reasons, sand and gravel pits are frequently located in the periphery of metropolitan areas which are often subject to competing land-use interests. As a contribution to land-use conflict solving, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Two AHP preference matrix scenario constellations are evaluated and their results are used to create a land-use conflict map.