This thesis is an investigation of the Idrisi multi-objective decision making module (MOLA) in preparing land allocation models for rural communities within the Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve in Jalisco, Mexico. This region of Mexico is a microcosm for current problems in implementing sustainable development policies. The step wise participatory approach conducted using a spatial database lends itself to these complex situations. Results from this research suggest that with the data available currently in the region a variety of landuse allocations can be generated which can provide the local decision makers with meaningful landuse alternatives.