Combining AHP with GIS in the evaluation of locational characteristics quality for purpose-built offices in Malaysia

Geographic Information System (GIS) provides good spatial data. Using map as a main feature helps to capture, analyse, manage, as well as present geographic location data. Many location analysis techniques, including GIS, have developed, mainly on a specific field. In order to evaluate the quality of locational characteristics on a commercial building such as purpose-built office (PBO), GIS application is needed. Combining Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS provide an effective evaluation whereby the needs of property market participants on purpose built offices can be fulfilled. AHP is a method that specialises in identifying the importance of any locational characteristics on commercial building from the tenants or occupiers perception. Thus, integration from AHP and GIS will capture the subjective as well as the objective locational quality of PBO in terms of their commercial aspects. The evaluation index system which is Locational Quality Index (LQI) has been set up through locational characteristics of purpose built office, namely the location of the commercial features, availability of transport options, transportation/ parking distance, vehicle flow, efficiency of property market. Supported by GIS improves AHP in evaluating the quality of locational characteristics of PBO which matches the need of commercial property market participants.