Developing an Integrated Land Allocation model based on Linear Programming and Game Theory

Land use configuration in any given landscape is the result of a multi-objective optimization process, which takes into account different ecological, economic and social factors. In this process, coordinating stakeholders is a key factor to successful spatial land use optimization. Stakeholders need to be modeled as players who have the ability to interact with each other towards their best solution, while considering multiple goals and constraints at the same time. Game theory provides a tool for land use planners to model and analyze such interactions. In order to apply the spatial allocation model and address stakeholder conflicts, an integrated model based on linear programming and game theory was designed in the present study. For implementing such model, we conducted an optimal land use allocation process through multi-objective land allocation (MOLA) and linear programming methods. Then, two groups of environmental and land development players were considered to implement the optimization model. The game algorithm was used to select the appropriate constraint so that the result was acceptable to all stakeholders. The results showed that in the third round of the game, the decision-making process and the optimization of land uses reached the desired Nash Equilibrium state and the conflict between stakeholders was resolved. Ultimately, in order to localize the results, a suitable solution was presented in GIS environment.