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METEOR (METhod of Evaluation by ORder) is introduced as a new evaluation approach, based on
partial order theory. METEOR combines transparent decision support and convenient tools for
data analysis with the ability to include stakeholders' preferences in the decision process. The
basic idea is a systematic step-by-step aggregation of indicators, including their weighting. We
applied METEOR to evaluate the eco-hydrological effects of nine water management strategies
upon the complex surface water system of Berlin and Potsdam, Germany. Altogether 14 river
sections are defined, each of which is evaluated by a set of four hydro-chemical indicators.
Aggregation of indicators was performed on two levels: spatially with respect to the river sections,
and thematically to the four indicators themselves. The METEOR result is in good agreement
with that obtained by the PROMETHEE approach. However, advantages of METEOR are (1)
identification of sensitive steps of indicator aggregation, and (2) extraction of explanatory background
information about advantages and disadvantages of scenarios. Both topics enhance the
transparency of the evaluation process and thus support public acceptance of the decision.
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