Astronomical observatory site selection using fuzzy AHP and BWM methods

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Yılmaz A.

SERBIAN ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL, sa.207, ss.39-52, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.2298/saj230530001y
  • Dergi Adı: SERBIAN ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.39-52
  • Erzincan Binali Yıldırım Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Establishing an observatory often involves complex decisions, such as choosing a site based on multiple conflicting criteria. In this study, we develop a multi-criteria decision analysis process by combining Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis with the (MCDA) Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and using this process to determine the most suitable sites for the construction of an observatory in the Malatya urban area. GIS was used to calculate, classify, and analyze criteria, while FAHP (Buckley’s method) and BWM methods were used to weight the decision criteria and determine their effects on alternative sites. While the ”cloud cover” criterion in the BWM method was the most important criterion with 28 %, a value close to the BWM method in the FAHP method was the most important criterion with 27.8 %. Meteorological criteria were the most important criteria group with values of 50.4 % according to the FAHP method and 44.6 % according to the BWM method. The study is based on meteorological, geographic, and anthropogenic datasets, suggesting the most appropriate sites for the astronomical observatory within the boundaries of the study area. The proposed sites are the result of site selection, which is the first phase of site selection for astronomical observatories. These fields are important to limit the number of alternative fields. It is necessary to conduct field tests among the proposed areas and select the final site according to the results. The successful use of GIS and more than one MCDA method will pave the way for the development of various methods for astronomical observatory site determination.