An integrated approach for exploring opportunities and vulnerabilities of complex territorial systems

Abstract

Dealing with territorial transformations assessment means addressing the challenge represented by the inherent complexity and multidimensionality of these systems. This requires an integrated approach for the evaluation in order to obtain concise final judgments. Moreover, when dealing with territorial systems, the analysis of the geographical patterns of the elements under investigation plays a fundamental role. The paper thus proposes an innovative approach for the analysis of a complex territorial system based on the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a specific Multicriteria Analysis technique, named Analytic Network Process (ANP). In particular, starting from a real case related to a mountain area in Northern Italy, the present paper explores the potentialities of spatial Multicriteria analysis for supporting strategic planning and sustainability assessment procedures. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.