Assessing the applicability of the MCRAT, RAPS, RAMS and RATMI methods in the optimization of a dam geodetic control network

Only a few studies have so far addressed the applicability of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods in the optimization of geodetic control networks. For instance, the methods such as Višekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje/Rešenje (VIKOR) (in english: Multi-Criteria Optimization and Compromise Ranking/Solution), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations (PROMETHEE), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC), Multi-Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis (MAIRCA), Combined Compromise Solution (COCOSO), Range of Value (ROV) can be mentioned. Among them, the VIKOR method, it can be said, proved to be the most suitable tool in the mention area of engineering geodesy as it allows treating alternative solutions identified in a specific task in a desired way by using different preferential approaches represented by sets of criterion weights. Thus, the VIKOR method is used as a reference herein, and methods whose applicability is tested are four novel methods that have been used in some other areas, different from geodesy. It is about Multiple Criteria Ranking by Alternative Trace (MCRAT), Ranking the Alternatives by Perimeter Similarity (RAPS), Ranking by Alternatives Median Similarity (RAMS) and Ranking by Alternatives Using the Trace to Median Index (RATMI). The subject of this study is optimization of a 2D geodetic control network established to provide information regarding horizontal movements of a dam. The dam is located in Montenegro. The optimization is performed considering several pre-set constraints related to precision and reliability in the corresponding geodetic network. It turned out the four tested MCDM methods provided exactly the same results that were highly correlated with those obtained using the selected reference method. This fact led to the conclusion those four novel methods could be equally used in tasks similar to the one presented herein.