在解决诸如工业选址的空间问题时,空间决策支持系统(SDSS)避免了流行的商用GIS软件在空间信息的分析评价、时空分布、预测和模拟以及决策等模型分析功能的不足。该文提出了建立SDSS的两种基本途径:一是利用现有GIS与分析决策模型进行集成联结生成SDSS;另一种途径是自行开发具有空间数据管理和分析决策模型的一体化SDSS。前者开发周期短,费用较低,但系统的一体化程度差;后者由于全部软件都需要重新开发,因此开发周期长,费用高,但优点是系统一休化程度高,运行稳定,效率高,是"真正"的SDSS。并以建立区域农业可持续发展决策支持系统为实例,说明建立SDSS的方法。最后,该文探讨了SDSS的发展趋势。

Solution to many spatial decision-making problems, such as site selection or regional sustainable development, needs Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) instead of Geographic Information System (GIS) because currently-available commercial GIS software Packages lack those capabilities for spatio-temporal distribution, prediction, simulation of spatial information, and interactive questioning between analysts and decision-makers. This paper summarizes two methods to establish a SDSS software. One is to generate a SDSS by coupling currently-available GIS software with analytic decision models. The other is to develop a true SDSS that has the integrated capabilities for management of spatial data and analytic models. The first method requires a shorter developing period and less cost than the second one. A SDSS based on the second method has a common interface and an integrated data structure, therefore, it is more efficient and easier to be used. The system, Decision Support System of Regional Agricultural Sustainable Development in China (DSSRASD) developed by the authors and our collaborators in 1995, is a true SDSS for agricultural sustainable development. A new data structure, Hyper Graph-based Data Structure (HBDS) is used to establish the base of DSSRASD in Borland C⁺⁺) for Windows. Furthermore, utilization of remote sensing and multimedia technologies enables the system to be used by decision-makers easily. At present DSSRASD is running well in the three pilot areas (Penglai city and Zhoucun County of Shandong province, Tongshan County of Jiangshu province). Finally, the prospects of SDSS are discussed.