Collaborative spatial multicriteria evaluation: a review and directions for future research

Collaborative Spatial Multicriteria Evaluation (SME) or GIS-based Multicriteria Evaluation (GME) is an effective means for decision makers, or a particular group of people to be engaged in participatory spatial decision making, urban planning, land use assessment, environmental assessment, etc. The paper follows two key objectives. The first objective is to provide a thorough and systematic literature review of collaborative SME. Specifically, it focuses on the tasks and tools used in collaborative SME processes. The study gives an overview of single- and multiple-model, intelligent, and interactive tools. It also demonstrates the evolution of tools based on geographic information trends and discusses usability evaluation of tools. The second objective focuses on evolving and future perspectives of collaborative SME tools. It proposes new tools and modern era of collaborative SME by integrating the tools with other relevant technologies/concepts.