The aggregation of environmental data using multicriteria methods

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Abstract
Environmental modelling depends on a great quantity of data; usually these data are converted to parameters and indicators for use as inputs to models. An important problem is the aggregation of these data. Usually this is done pragmatically and unsystematically and the aggregation procedure depends heavily on the opinion of individual experts. In this paper, we propose an approach called “multicriteria decision aid” (MCDA), originally developed in the field of decision theory, as a first step towards the development of a framework for the aggregation of environmental data. Its use is defended on the basis of considerations aimed at proving that a formal analogy between this kind of problem, and the problems where multicriteria decision methods are generally applied, exists. Particular attention is paid to the problem of qualitative information. As an illustrative example, an application to a problem of water quality is presented. This procedure may be easily extended from modelling to the aggregation of data for environmental indicators in general. It is by these methods that procedures of aggregation may become standardized and also transparent to users.

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