Module 6: Suitability and Least-Cost Analysis

 

Non Equal Weighted Map

Equal Weighted Map

The Maps above showcase the suitability of sites for development. Warmer colors denote less suitable whereas cooler colors denote preferable development sites. The maps were created by reclassifying raster data and then creating a weighted overlay map. There is an equally weighted map and a map with alternative non equal weights to showcase the difference in results.

The map above showcases potential black bear habitability corridors between Coronado National Forest. The corridors were generated by combining variables like distance to road, preferable landcover, and elevation. Then a weighted overlay was used to find the combine the variables. Afterwards, cost distance was used to find paths between the national forest polygons. Finally, a corridor analysis reveals the proposed paths for black bears.