Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS applied to the adequacy of forest roads in southern Brazil

This study aims to optimize the planning of forest road networks using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The variables used in this study were: permanent preservation area (PPA), slope (S), slope orientation (SO), commercial volume of timber (CV), and land cover class (LC). The best scenario was achieved when the five variables were employed in the AHP analysis, with a coherence index (CI) of 0.04%, and a consistency ratio (CR) of 3.9%. Then, the suitability of the existing forest roads was verified using the least-cost path tool associated with the map provided by the best AHP scenario. The results indicate that only 1/3 of the roads are placed in areas classified as ‘good’ or ‘optimal’, suggesting that the current road network can be improved. Adopting the road network proposed by this study, the length and density of roads would decrease by 10%. Consequently, a reduction in transport costs and an increase in the planted area are expected. We propose that this cost-effective approach can be leveraged for the reappraisal and suitability assessment of forest road density in areas exhibiting substantial timber resources, including those managed by mature forest enterprises.

Keywords:
Geographic Information System (GIS); Production; Pinus