A fuzzy expert system for geographical problems: an agricultural application

In this paper, a fuzzy expert system is described for decision-making in geographical information systems (GIS), because fuzzy logic and expert system technology are available methods for approximating human reasoning and enhancing the level of intelligence in GIS. This system computes a potentiality map for problem solution with a problem specification provided by the user and expert knowledge (by means of production rules). It is a fuzzy expert system using a generalised modus ponens based on the fuzzy implication of Brouwer-Godel which is implemented by a fast algorithm. Several kind of rules are accepted and especially gradual rules. We have experimented our system on "Palni Hills", a mountainous region of meridional India to locate areas where the profitability of agriculture could be generally the best. The system is explicitly designed to provide the user with a decision-making environment for the cartographic problem solution to be carried out in a flexible manner.<>