Table 4.

Comparison and summary of common heritage evaluation methods.

Method	Main features	Scope and advantages of use
Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, FCE	Fuzzy mathematics is applied to the method of comprehensive evaluation, and the evaluation results are obtained by establishing a single factor evaluation matrix and fuzzy operation.	It is suitable for the overall evaluation of objects constrained by multiple fuzzy factors. It has advantages in dealing with some qualitative problems that are difficult to precisely quantify. It is mostly used for evaluating the satisfaction of post-disaster reconstruction of traditional villages.
Principal component analysis, PCA	A method based on multivariate statistical analysis, which simplifies the calculation of problems by converting multiple variables into as few new variables as possible.	It is applicable to situations with multiple and complex variables, and it can be able to simplify the complexity, discard the false and retain the true, and grasp the essence and focus of the problem. It is comprehensive and comparable. It is mostly used for evaluating the comprehensive benefits of traditional village reconstruction.
Analytic hierarchy process, AHP	A multi-objective decision-making method that calculates weights by analyzing the importance of factors.	It is a commonly used method to determine the weights, which combines qualitative judgment with quantitative analysis of decision-makers, and the error is small. It is mostly used for evaluating the heritage value of traditional villages.
The Entropy method, EM	An objective weighting method that determines the weight of an indicator by calculating the information entropy of the indicator.	It is suitable for dealing with information that it not completely certain. It is mostly used for evaluating the heritage value of traditional villages.
Delphi method, DM	Also known as the expert scoring method, it is a subjective evaluation method based on experts’ professional knowledge and scientific research experience.	It is a commonly used qualitative evaluation method, which is relatively simple in operation and mainly copes with the management techniques of complex tasks. It is mostly used for evaluating the heritage value of traditional villages.
Contingent valuation method, CVM	The questionnaire design and survey process are inevitably subjective.	It provides very useful decision support for environmental protection and resource management. It is mostly used for evaluating of economic and social values of traditional villages.