This work aimed at demonstrating the possible uses of Geographic Information
Systems, especially suitability modeling, for the purpose of deliberate ecological planning.
A brief overview of the basic characteristics of GIS technology were created, with an
emphasis to the raster analysis and modeling. Some specific natural and socio-economic
characteristics of the study area were described and the sprawl pattern of development was
examined. A large quantity of information and data about the study area was gathered and
analyzed from the planning perspective. However, the major aim of this work was to
further develop the standard GIS method, which would, using advanced GIS cell-based
analysis, produce a suitability model for the area under study that would assist both
planners and decision-makers in identyfying the general geographical areas that have either
high conservation priority or high development suitability at a regional scale.
The proper application of GIS technology does not consist of the mere collection of
information and the construction of endless databases but must be followed by detailed
analysis and thoughtful problem solving. Thus, ten different analyses considering both
natural and socio-economic land characteristics of Mount Desert Island were performed
during the work and the analysis process culminated in their synthesis into three models
which identify places with high growth potential, or places which are valuable from the
conservation point of view. The analysis procedures were briefly described and some land
particularities that stem from the specific local conditions of the studied geographic area
were explained as well. The benefits of the method, mentioning possible weighting
modifications and future extensions, as well as its limits with respect to the quality and
subjective character of the results presented were discussed. Finally, the potential use of
suitability modeling in the Czech Republic was outlined at the end of the work.
In conclusion, the work supports the claim that the method as demonstrated may
become a successful contribution for ecological planning if the following requirements are
fulfilled:
• all essential and appropriate data and associated parameters are included in
the model;
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• all stakeholders accept the validity of the process and know that the values
and weights they have assigned to each criterion have been incorporated
into the model;
• the modeling process is well documented and its results are clearly
understandable; and
• the modeling process is capable of being repeated.
The potential of interactive GIS modeling extends far beyond its technical implementation.
It promises to radically alter the decision-making environment itself. However, while GIS
technology greatly enhances decision-making capabilities, it does not replace them. In a
sense, it is both a “ toolbox” of advanced analysis capabilities and a “sandbox” to express
decision-makers’ concerns, inspirations and creativity
However, the application of this method in different countries and their societies,
icluding the Czech Republic, might be complicated. Although suitability modeling
represents an efficient technical tool for deliberate regional planning, it requires a certain
level or type of system set-up in the country of application. If the GIS suitability analysis is
to be performed at the most sophisticated level, a large amount of quality data has to be
included in the analysis process and thus, the data must be easily accessible. All the
information and data sets about the area under the study in this work were collected from
divers govermental and non-governmental organizations and agencies, Acadia National
Park database, College of the Atlantic GIS database, and GIS internet data depots. There
were plenty of data about Mount Desert Island available and the vast majority was free of
charge. Unfortunately, it is difficult to imagine that a suitability analysis of such extent
would be easily performed for an area in the Czech Republic. There is still a lack of
specific data and their collection is extremely difficult and costly. It is clear that the system
of the data availability and exchange has to be altered, if we want to take advantage of the
potential that GIS suitability modeling offers for sophisticated planning