In GIS, Weighted Overlay Analysis uses which methodology?

• A. Spatial Join methodology.
• B. Interpolation methodology.
• C. The 'Suitability' methodology.
• D. Overlay weighting methodology.

Answer: (C)

Weighted Overlay Analysis is a raster-based approach used for site suitability evaluations. It’s a multi-criteria decision-making method where each factor (like land cover, slope, distance to roads) is first reclassified to a common suitability scale. Each factor is then weighted to reflect its importance for the planned use, and the layers are combined through a weighted sum to produce a final suitability index map. This focuses on determining how suitable locations are for a specific purpose, rather than performing spatial joins or estimating values through interpolation. The overarching idea is to assess overall suitability by integrating multiple criteria with relative importance, which is why it’s considered a suitability methodology.