Optimization model based on geographic information system for a forest production unit in Bukidnon, Philippines

An optimization model based on geographic information system (GIS) for a production unit in Bukidnon, Philippines was developed. Spatial and mathematical modeling techniques were employed in the development process. In spatial modeling, thematic maps in vector and raster format were generated which described and classified the forestlands under study. In mathematical modeling using Linear Programming (LP), the parameters of the objective and constraint functions were calculated such as Net Present Values (NPVs) per hectare, resource usage for each decision variable and the amount of available resources for each constraint. Optimal solutions of the decision variables and the objective function were generated for two problem scenarios of BMRDO-FRDD [Business Management and Resources Development Office - Forest Resources Development Division]: (1) the basic problem, which is timber production scheduling without Proclamation No. 310 that allocates 362 hectares for the forest claimants; and (2) the problem with Proclamation No. 310, which is timber production scheduling with Proclamation No. 310. A forestland survey on the area under study was done to arrive at the stand strata. The attribute date were collected, stored and processed in a GIS software environment and other software applications. The LP model was formulated and solve to evaluate the decision variables. The output maps and optimal solutions were displayed and tabulated, respectively. The values of the optimal solution for each of the two scenarios were determined. In the basic problem scenario, 147 out of 272 decision variables entered into the optimal solution. On the other hand, 125 out of 272 decision variables entered into the optimal solution of the problem with Proclamation No. 310. The decision variables contributed to the generation of the optimal objective function values of P6,984,965.00 and P3,870,698.00, for the basic problem and th e problem with Proclamation No. 310, respectively. The system model with its methodological approach revealed that it could support decision making. Thus, it could be used with some model adjustments to other forest property with similar objective of maximizing NPV.