Weighted Overlay
A spatial analysis technique where multiple raster layers are combined using assigned weights to evaluate suitability or risk, commonly applied in site selection and multi-criteria decision analysis (standard GIS usage).

What is the purpose of Weighted Overlay?
In order to identify the best places for a certain goal, such environmental study, site selection, or land use planning, a weighted overlay combines several raster layers with various criteria. The values within the levels are standardized to a common scale (e.g., 1 to 10), and each layer is given a weight according to its significance to the objective. The overlay then multiplies the values of each layer by the weights set to it, adding all the results to determine a composite score for every cell. By combining many aspects into a single output map and emphasizing areas that best fit the specified criteria, this strategy enables decision-makers to assess complicated spatial challenges.
Related Keywords
In GIS, weighted overlay analysis is a geographical analysis method that combines several raster layers by giving each one a weight according to its relative significance. By combining several criteria into a single output map, it facilitates decision-making processes including resource management, land use planning, and site suitability.
In GIS, a weighted overlay is a spatial analytic method that combines several raster layers by giving each one a weight according to its significance. By standardizing many criteria (such as slope, soil, and land use) and superimposing them to create a single output map that displays the most appropriate locations, it aids in decision-making processes like land suitability analysis.
A GIS technique called the Weighted Overlay Method creates a single suitability map for decision-making by combining several spatial layers and giving each one a weight depending on relevance.
By giving each criterion a relative weight according to its significance, the Weighted Overlay Technique is a geographical analytic technique in GIS that combines numerous raster layers. To create a final suitability map, each layer is classed to a common scale, multiplied by its weight, and then added up. This method is frequently used for decision-making in environmental management, site selection, and land-use planning.
