Methodology
A transparent pipeline from your inputs to a decision-ready profile.
The profiler combines a Random Forest classifier with Weighted Sum and TOPSIS multi-criteria scoring, calibrated against a reference network of nine European wetland restorations.
- 01
Structured input
You describe your planned NBS project across the six PESTLE domains using a guided questionnaire. Inputs are normalised against a reference schema shared by all nine network sites.
- 02
Reference benchmarking
Your profile is positioned against historical and live data from the nine wetland sites. This gives every score a real-world anchor rather than an abstract index.
- 03
Random Forest classification
An ensemble model trained on the reference network estimates the likelihood that each PESTLE factor will become a binding constraint or a meaningful opportunity for projects with your profile.
- 04
Multi-criteria scoring
Two complementary methods — Weighted Sum and TOPSIS — aggregate the factor-level signals into a single risk and opportunity profile, with each method's logic kept transparent and reproducible.
- 05
Interpretation
The tool surfaces top risks, top opportunities, the nearest peer sites in the reference network, and an AI assistant that helps interpret the profile against your specific context.
- 06
Reporting
Outputs are exportable as a structured PDF report intended for funders, stewardship boards and consortium partners.
Why two scoring methods
Weighted Sum is intuitive.
TOPSIS is robust.
We report both.
Weighted Sum
A linear aggregation that's easy to audit and explain to non-technical stakeholders. Each factor's contribution is visible end-to-end.
TOPSIS
Ranks profiles by their distance from a hypothetical ideal and anti-ideal. Less sensitive to weighting assumptions, better at separating closely matched alternatives.