GIS and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review of Applications

Abstract

This systematic review aims to explore the application of geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques in addressing diverse environmental and socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh. The study fills the gap in consolidated evidence regarding the effectiveness and sectoral orientation, as well as the methodological variety of GIS-MCDA applications, especially in the context of developing countries. A ten-year time frame has been chosen for collecting literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework from various scholarly databases. Findings reveal that GIS-MCDA techniques have gained widespread acceptance across various sectors, including disaster management, water resource management, energy, waste management, urban planning, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and industry. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) has been found as most popular MCDA technique to utilize in various sectors efficiently. However, the findings also note some essential knowledge gaps in existing literature such as the excessive focus on some particular disaster (e.g., floods), minimal implementation in less-researched areas and industries, and insufficient field validation or stakeholder engagement in most studies. The review highlights the operational significance of GIS-MCDA and its ability to aid spatially informed and evidence-based decision-making. It also recommends the necessity of wider thematic coverage, a hybrid approach of methods and participatory structure to develop the practical application value of such tools. Combining the sector-specific knowledge with the spatiotemporal trends, the paper provides an original contribution by conducting the first comprehensive evaluation of GIS-MCDA implementation in Bangladesh, which can guide policymakers, planners and practitioners toward more participatory, sustainable, and resilient planning.