Rohde, S., M. Hostmann, A. Peter and K. Ewald. 2006. Room for Rivers: an Integrative Search Strategy for Floodplain Restoration. Landscape and Urban Planning 78: 50–70.

This study presents a search strategy for identifying floodplain restoration sites for which the ecological and socio-economic systems favor restoration.   It can be used to identify sites for which there will be both ecological and socio-economic gain.   The search strategy applies 3 filters to identify suitable restoration sites: restoration constraints (filters out slopes >6% and urban areas), ecological suitability and socio-economic suitability.  Using a GIS, indicators for suitability are mapped in a database.  Filter 1 excludes all areas with slopes > 6% and all urban areas.  In filter 2 map layers are weighted according to an ecological restoration suitability index.  Finally, filter 3 layers outputs of filters 1 and 2 over maps representing socio-economic factors.  The final output of the model provides potential floodplain restoration sites to be further examined case by case.  Authors applied this search strategy to a case study in Switzerland.  Authors found that this method provided a cost-effective means of pre-screening potential floodplain restoration sites.  It enables the examination of information from a wide range of sources.  Finally, it establishes a set of habitat indicators and criteria that can be replicated in other basins.  Authors noted data limitations and spatial resolution as constraints of the model, recommending that sites be further examined on a local level prior to implementing restoration activities.  GIS is a powerful tool for pre-screening potential restoration sites, saving time and money.  Advances in GIS data facilitate comprehensive restoration analyses, allowing restoration planners to incorporate ecological and socio-economic factors into decision-making.

Map displaying habitat suitability and public support