Spatial analysis of multicriteria evaluation with fuzzy logic and geographic information systems applied to global vulnerability in the Pocito department (San Juan-Argentina)

Abstract

The Pocito department is affected by different threats of natural origin. But the degree of impact of these dangerous phenomena is a function of vulnerability, so it is considered of utmost importance to evaluate their spatial distribution. In this sense, the objective of the work is to determine areas with different levels of global vulnerability. The methodology used consists of the integration of the multicriteria evaluation and the geographic information system, where the combination of both techniques is potentially valuable for spatial analysis. Complementing this technique with the explicitly spatial sensitivity analysis, as one of the various supports for the important stage of the validation of the results proposed as a decisional model. The results obtained represent on a map the areas of high vulnerability that must be considered to generate risk prevention and mitigation policies. The eastern part of the department and near the center of Pocito, where precarious settlements are found, stand out as vulnerable areas. On the other hand, the sensitivity analysis determined a set of criteria that are significant and robust in the vulnerability model. With this proposed methodology, it is intended to advance in reducing the probability of making an incorrect decision by reducing the risk of a resolution, by reducing the uncertainty of the database and the hesitation of the decision rule.