title: Land-use suitability analysis in the United States: historical development and promising technological achievements.
abstract: Various methods of spatial analysis are commonly used in land-use plans and site selection studies. A historical overview and discussion of contemporary developments of land-use suitability analysis are presented. The paper begins with an exploration into the early 20th century with the infancy of documented applications of the technique. The article then travels through the 20th century, documenting significant milestones. Concluding with present explorations of advanced technologies such as neural computing and evolutionary programming, this work is meant to serve as a foundation for literature review and a premise for the exploration of new advancements as we enter into the 21st century.
authors.affiliation: Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Inc., 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 600, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rushman
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000266:history*; D003205:Computing Methodologies; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000266:history*; D004777:Environment; D005843:Geography; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D014481:United States