Abstract—Among the numerous economic evaluation techniques currently available, Multi-criteria Spatial Analysis lends itself to solving localization problems of property complexes and, in particular, production plants. The methodology involves the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the mapping overlay technique, which overlaps the different information layers of a territory in order to obtain an overview of the parameters that characterize it. This first phase is used to detect possible settlement surfaces of a new agglomeration, subsequently selected through Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), so as to choose the best alternative. The result ensures the synthesis of a multidimensional profile that expresses both the quantitative and qualitative effects. Each criterion can be given a different weight. Keywords—Multi-criteria Spatial Analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Geographical Information Systems, localization of industrial areas. I. INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY ROM a public perspective, any form of investment presents issues of complexity. This is generally due to the multiplicity of the objectives to be reached as well as their heterogeneous and conflicting nature. An evaluation model that supports any decisions made is both an essential tool for public Institutions as well as a valuable support for private investors due to its ability to rationalise the different aspects of the various project solutions. This study aims to implement the multi-criteria Analytic Hierarchy Process technique [1]–[3] with a Geographical Information System [4], in order to define a decision-making model that can be used to solve the localization problems of industrial areas and, more generally, with easy adaptations, of new urban areas intended for service or production activities [5]–[8]. The model should be able to maximize the efficiency of investment projects [9]–[13], especially for works that affect large areas and play an important role in the effects they generate in various sectors. The aim of this work is therefore to provide a support tool to investment decisions that meet the needs of the territory, This work has been written in equal parts by the three authors. from both the socio-economic and environmental aspect as well as the quality of life of the population involved. The evaluation process is applied to establishing the best location for the expansion of the industrial area of Tito (PZ, Italy). II. MULTI-CRITERIA SPATIAL ANALYSIS The Multi Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) is a procedure for comparing multiple criteria, with it being a support model to decision-making [14]–[18]. It makes it possible to evaluate the convenience of investment projects characterized by different types of impact, i.e., economic, social and environmental. In multi-criteria analysis, social welfare depends on many factors, which must be carefully considered and evaluated by the decision maker. In these cases, the evaluation is divided into two successive and complementary steps: 1) search for alternatives that have objective relevance; 2) an evaluation of the ranking of the alternatives. The most recent multi-criteria evaluation methodologies “justify” the choices made. In particular, in participatory planning processes, the achievement of a “justified choice” is of significant importance. Consequently, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which generate a large amount of data, have a key role in any decisions made. GIS are a valuable tool for the management of spatial data as well as the construction of the necessary information base upon which decisions can be made. In fact, the decision- making problems that affect urban planners and evaluators typically involve a set of alternatives, along with a large number of conflicting evaluation criteria that are often not easily measurable. Thus, research carried out in the areas relating to GIS and multi-criteria analysis can benefit from each other. Fig. 1 GIS and Multi-criteria Analysis Multi-criteria Spatial Analysis therefore represents a significant step forward compared to conventional multi- Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis for the Localization of Production Structures. Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographical Information Systems in the Case of Expanding an Industrial Area Gianluigi De Mare, Pierluigi Morano, and Antonio Nesticò F World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 71 2012 298