Determination of Optimal Zones for Forest Plantations in the State of Mexico Using Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis and GIS

Abstract

This work aims to develop simulation models that allow locating adequate areas for forest plantations in the state of Mexico. It combines multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and simulate future scenarios for forest plantations under three major objectives: commercial production, restoration and protection, and agroforestry. Results demonstrate the potential of this method to integrate different variables of social , economic and environmental nature, and for solve some problems of forest activities and management by locating the most suitable areas for this forestal activity.