Using analytic hierarchy process with GIS for Dengue risk mapping in Kolkata Municipal Corporation, West Bengal, India

Detecting and mapping of Dengue risk areas is a complex, tiring, multifaceted and protracted task requiring evaluation of many criteria. It is not sure that always one single factor is liable for Dengue Fever transmission in all areas, but it differs with changing geographical location. This paper presents the application of analytic hierarchy process alongside with geospatial analysis for detecting Dengue risk areas in Kolkata Municipal Corporation by integrating environmental parameters. It employs two stage analyses synergistically to form a Spatial Decision Support System. The first stage analysis makes use of the thematic layers in Geographical Information System in combination with environmental factors leading to support the second stage analysis using the analytic hierarchy process as a tool. Moreover, weighted overlay analysis was used for detecting potential risk areas. The research result shows that the calculated weights of criteria are within the range of Consistency Ratio being > 0.1. The chosen decision criteria are consistent because the calculated Consistency Ratio is 0.0551 which is < 0.1 and considered as acceptable for decision making. The most influential factors are found the Household Density, Water Logged Areas, Land Surface Temperature, Population Density, Land Elevation and Land Use Land Cover. The present study shows that the spatial relationship can help in understanding the pattern and distribution of dengue outbreak and zonation of potential risk areas.