A gis-based spatial decision support system for suitability assessment and land use allocation

Abstract EN

The purpose of ،his paper is to introduce a spatiai decision support system (SDSS) which integrates GIS with externai analytical models to generate an automated process of land use planning.

The system could be utilized by planners in physical planning and land development projects to generate alternative land use plans.

The paper formulates and applies a comprehensive approach which consists of three interconnected models: potentiality model for urban development (?MUD); land use suitability model (LUSM); and the assignment model for land use allocation (AMLUA).

This modeling process identifies potential land for development, assesses land suitability for various land uses, and optimizes land- use allocation.

The suggested approach responds to the need to incorporate many factors into the analysis, handle large amount of data, and engage in expert knowledge and planner’s preferences to assess the implications of various planning strategies.

The proposed models have been validated through the study of the city of Beish, Saudi Arabia.