Table 4 Summary of most frequently used multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods combined with geographic information systems (GIS) in the reviewed case studies, 2009-2019 in the field of forestry

Analytic Hierarchy Process

20

\(\bullet\) Widespread application;

\(\bullet\) Complex technique

(AHP)

\(\bullet\) Dealing with a range of spatial scales;

\(\bullet\) Involves conflict between stakeholders;

\(\bullet\) Support large number of professionals and/or laymen views;

\(\bullet\) Supports maximum of 15 criteria inputs;

\(\bullet\) Reuse in other similar environments.

\(\bullet\) Original technique does not support uncertainty.

Weighted Linear

6

\(\bullet\) Easy computation;

\(\bullet\) Assign random values to criteria weights;

Combination (WLC)

\(\bullet\) Recognize full range of data inputs;

\(\bullet\) Scalable;

\(\bullet\) Large number of stakeholder requirement analyses are unclear;

\(\bullet\) Support large number of professionals and/or laymen views;

\(\bullet\) Suspicious in converting qualitative to quantitative values.

\(\bullet\) Transferable to other case studies.

Fuzzy (F)/ F-AHP

5

\(\bullet\) Allows handling of imprecise data;

\(\bullet\) Complex to develop the model;

\(\bullet\) Incorporate multiple pairwise matrix inputs;

\(\bullet\) Requires a specialist to simulate the model; number of criteria.

\(\bullet\) Support literature reviews as elicitation technique;

\(\bullet\) Collect detailed data from a large number of professional opinions; Improves the quality of decisions.

WLC-F;WLC-AHP

3

\(\bullet\) Minimizes humam errors.

\(\bullet\) Limited performance and efficiency

\(\bullet\) Misunderstanding stakeholder requirement analysis.

Ordered Weighted Averaging

3

\(\bullet\) Flexible and reliable outcomes;

\(\bullet\) Incorporate limated criteria inputs;

(OWA)/ Analytic Network Process-OWA

\(\bullet\) Dealing with a regional spatial scale.

\(\bullet\) Involves understanding of spatial considerations.