Assessment of AHP for optical observatory and new moon sighting sites in peninsular of Malaysia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to select the best location for astronomical observations sites using Multi Criteria Decision Analysis integrated with Geographical Information System (GIS). To solve these problems, four factors were determined which are elevation or slope, road network, population density and land used. These factors were divided into two categories namely geographical  and anthropogenic criteria. The  factors were evaluated using Analytical Hierarchy Process  technique and the weights  of  variables  were  determined. The study matched the layer on the optical observatory and moon sighting sites. As the result, this study showed the most suitable areas were located extensively in eastern and southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. However, the final decision of this study, site testing measurement will be required in these preliminarily selected areas.

Keywords:  astronomy; geographical information system; analytical observatory and moon sighting sites