More than a hundred GIS layers were developed from existing and newly collected GIS data and converted to 53 unique modeled layers to be included in the decision support model.  If you can envision these as separate maps on mylar overlays, one of the advantages of the tool is the ability to combine some or all these layers into one composite map layer with four categories from high to low.  A manager with very little GIS experience can perform this operation.

Source layers were normalized to adjust for differences in watershed size and shape, and to make comparisons between disparate data layers as equal as possible.  The goal was to compare "apples to apples"

We worked with over 40 partners and resource specialists, and through meetings, webinars and conference calls derived the model components and default layer weightings.  These were documented on an enterprise wiki or edited web site.

The decision support tool was implemented as a suitability model within CommunityViz, an extension to ArcMap GIS software.  We chose this tool because of the ability off the shelf to run weighted sum GIS models using slider bars, and excellent integration between maps, chartss, graphs in an easy to use package for managers with limited GIS capability.