Abstract JSSP

Land Use Planning for Hillside Development Using GIS Based Analytic Hierarchy Process

Seema SAHDEV*1, Manish KUMAR1
* Corresponding author
1 University of Delhi, Kalindi College, Department of Geography, Delhi, INDIA
E-mail: seemasahdev@yahoo.com, manish.ks1@gmail.com
Pages: 29-39

Abstract. This paper discusses the process of selection of suitable sites for built-up area development in the lesser Himalayan terrain of Kumaun region in India. This process involves complex steps and handling multiple physiographic and socio-economic factors in order to achieve land suitability. The proposed approach of this study is to provide a framework for integrating the strengths of geographic information system (GIS) and the pairwise comparison matrix known as analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to obtain the most appropriate spatial solution for decision-makers. Thus, Bhikiyasen Block of district Almora, Kumaun Himalaya (India) was considered for mapping the potential sites for the future built-up area development. For this purpose, Cartosat 1 satellite data was used to generate various thematic layers using ArcGIS software. Seven parameters (slope, road proximity, land use/cover, land value, geological formation, drainage proximity and orientation of slopes) were analysed for site suitability and land evaluation. The thematic maps of these criteria were standardized using pairwise comparison matrix and weight for each criteria was generated based on their importance. These criteria and weights ultimately helped in preparing the final land use planning of the area under study. In this paper, the integrated approach of GIS and AHP is showcased as a major contribution towards the development of effective spatial decision support systems (SDSS). This study also provides a new approach for decision-makers in order to reduce future environmental hazards on hillside development.

K e y w o r d s: Geographic Information System, Pairwise Comparison Matrix, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Site Suitibility, Spatial Decision Support Systems








			Land Use Planning for Hillside Development Using GIS Based Analytic Hierarchy Process Seema SAHDEV1, Manish KUMAR1 Corresponding author 1 University of Delhi, Kalindi College, Department of Geography, Delhi, INDIA E-mail: seemasahdev@yahoo.com, manish.ks1@gmail.com Pages: 29-39 Abstract. This paper discusses the process of selection of suitable sites for built-up area development in the lesser Himalayan terrain of Kumaun region in India. This process involves complex steps and handling multiple physiographic and socio-economic factors in order to achieve land suitability. The proposed approach of this study is to provide a framework for integrating the strengths of geographic information system (GIS) and the pairwise comparison matrix known as analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to obtain the most appropriate spatial solution for decision-makers. Thus, Bhikiyasen Block of district Almora, Kumaun Himalaya (India) was considered for mapping the potential sites for the future built-up area development. For this purpose, Cartosat 1 satellite data was used to generate various thematic layers using ArcGIS software. Seven parameters (slope, road proximity, land use/cover, land value, geological formation, drainage proximity and orientation of slopes) were analysed for site suitability and land evaluation. The thematic maps of these criteria were standardized using pairwise comparison matrix and weight for each criteria was generated based on their importance. These criteria and weights ultimately helped in preparing the final land use planning of the area under study. In this paper, the integrated approach of GIS and AHP is showcased as a major contribution towards the development of effective spatial decision support systems (SDSS). This study also provides a new approach for decision-makers in order to reduce future environmental hazards on hillside development. K e y w o r d s: Geographic Information System, Pairwise Comparison Matrix, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Site Suitibility, Spatial Decision Support Systems