Geospatial Suitability Indices Toolbox User's Guide

About this manual

This document is a user's guide for the Geospatial Suitability Indices (GSI) Toolbox, a technical report developed by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The toolbox is designed for assessing habitat suitability in ecosystem management and restoration using a Geographic Information System (GIS). It was developed in ArcGIS Pro 2.7 using the Python 3.7 programming language and is intended for use on Windows 10 desktops.

The guide details the operation of two main tools within the toolbox: the Suitability Index Calculator (SIC) and the Overall Suitability Index Calculator (OSIC). The SIC tool calculates parameter suitability indices using thematic or continuous geospatial raster layers, while the OSIC tool combines multiple parameter suitability indices into a single overarching index using statistical options such as arithmetic mean, weighted arithmetic mean, geometric mean, or minimum limiting factor.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Model Development Process
• System Requirements
• Toolbox Installation
• Suitability Index Calculator Tool
• Overall Suitability Index Calculator Tool
• Data Inputs
• Workflow Guides
• Statistical Options
• Conclusion

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the GSI toolbox?

The toolbox is for assessing habitat suitability in ecosystem management and restoration using a geographic information system (GIS).

What statistical options are available in the OSIC tool?

The OSIC tool includes options for arithmetic mean, weighted arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and minimum limiting factor.