| This thesis presents the design of a Knowledge-based Reforestation Planning Decision Support System (KB-RDSS) for developing countries; which integrates: (i) a geographic information system (GIS); (ii) a multi criteria decision making method (MCDM); (iii) a tree data base; (iv) five knowledge bases; and (v) a final plan review module. In view of current literature, it can be maintained that it is the first of its kind. The system, through a phased approach that reflects the natural sequence of reforestation activities that is driven by the user, accepts relevant site data and produces a plan of: objectives, plantation management authority (PMGTAs), plantation types (PTYPEs), people mobilization strategies (PMSTs), site preparation methods (SPMTs), plant protection methods (PPMTs) and tree species (TSPECs) for each site niche to be reforested. A prototype, which includes an objectives determination module, and PMST & PPMT knowledge bases has been developed and demonstrated using a reforestation case study from Nepal. |
