Integrating a Raster Geographical Information System with Multi‐Objective Land Allocation Optimization for Conservation Reserve Design

The multi‐objective land allocation problem is to optimize the selection of land for different uses based on a set of decision objectives. For most applications, a geographical information system (GIS) is either absent or loosely coupled through file exchange. In this article the evolutionary algorithm (EA), a heuristic solution method for optimization problems, is integrated with a rasterGISto form a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for multi‐objective conservation reserve design. TheSDSSeffectively combines the functions of aGISfor data management, analysis, and visualization, with the optimization capability of theEA; and provides a uniform way to solve conservation reserve design problems with different types of constraints and objectives. TheSDSSis demonstrated through application to the creation of conservation reserves inBolivia to protect 17 endemic mammals.