These mechanisms were computerized upon the advent of computers due to inefficiencies in the methods, such as the inability to overlay a large number of transparencies.
[2] In order to feed a growing population that is pushing on the ability to extensively farm, suitability analysis is becoming more necessary to utilize the most productive land to its fullest potential, matching the needs of the plants more carefully to the existing assets in the environment.
Suitability models might aid in finding a favorable location for a new facility, road, or habitat for a species of bird.
[5] Overlay analysis is a common method for creating a suitability model which involves using GIS techniques and software.
[7] With the advancement of computer mapping software, suitability modeling has become much easier and faster to implement, and today it is used for many varying tasks.
It is always a good idea to examine the results closely to verify that they make sense, and no mistakes were made.
Ideally, the value of predictive methods based in habitat suitability to estimate for instance the population size of common species should be tested before conducting large-scale monitoring, rather than a posteriori.
Although logistically challenging, this can be achieved by designing monitoring programs including an intensive sampling of abundance in ad hoc reference areas of variable size.
[6] Suitability analysis in a GIS context is a geographic, or GIS-based process used to determine the appropriateness of a given area for a particular use.
This is created through geometrical data analysis conducted in real time with technological land mapping, allowing for the development of multiple combinations of suitability.
The suitability analysis comes back into play here by helping planners prioritize which need is greater (in the case of the example, is housing or agricultural land more necessary in light of economic or demand pressure).