Abstract
Land evaluation is a key factor in land-use spatial planning, affecting both success and sustainability. This study showcases the value of using the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and multi-objective land allocation (MOLA) GIS decision-making tools determine the most favorable spatial development of various land-use types, for Qaleh Ganj County in Iran. Weighted linear combination (WLC) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) were used to assess the potential of seven land uses based on predefined criteria. MOLA was also used for land-use zoning based on suitability. The results derived from these techniques indicate that the rangeland zone with 30.80% and the ecotourism zone with 22.9% have the highest suitability potential, and aquaculture with 0.26% and tourism with 0.24% have the lowest potential in Qaleh Ganj. Considering the 7 land uses and a lot of defined criteria, MCE and MOLA provided an automatic and flexible way of dealing with qualitative multi-dimensional environmental effects, factors, constraints and objectives. The combination of WLC and OWA helped to manage selection factors differently, as their level of risk and trade-off is different. The result can be considered as optimal suitability maps with an environmental preservation goal which can help to protect the natural environment of this area, and will also allow for continued economic development. The approach described in this study can help developing countries and the sensitive area facing environmental challenges due to rapid development. This approach and its application procedures can be applied to similar territorial contexts, where several territorial factors should be considered and taken into account.
Highlights
In recent years, spatial planning and development have increasingly focused on environmental protection issues (Tortora et al 2015; Romano et al 2015; Memarbashi et al 2017), where increased economic growth and human activity have continuously impacted on land-use selection and determination (Chen 2014; Jafarian and Kavian 2013)
Suitability maps were produced based on a combination of weighted linear combination (WLC) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) aggregation approaches and an optimal land-use suitability map was produced by combining 7 suitability maps via multi-objective land allocation (MOLA)
The results show that ecotourism, with 36.78%, has the greatest potential which followed by rangeland (25.32%), horticulture (13.74%), industrial development (12.15%), arable land (6.53%), tourism (0.28%), and aquaculture (0.15%) that have the lowest potential in this county
Summary
Spatial planning and development have increasingly focused on environmental protection issues (Tortora et al 2015; Romano et al 2015; Memarbashi et al 2017), where increased economic growth and human activity have continuously impacted on land-use selection and determination (Chen 2014; Jafarian and Kavian 2013). Spatial planning, including land-use development, is known as one policy focus area that plays an influential role in effective natural resource management (Yiannakou and Salata 2017). Land suitability assessment practices are considered as part of the solution for effective land-use allocation and land-use planning (Bocco et al 2001; Bunruamkaew and Murayama 2012; Briassoulis 2019; Rossiter 1996). Assessing land suitability is a key strategy for promoting sustainable development in land-use planning (Ostovari et al 2019). The suitability of land for a particular land use varies greatly due to different biophysical qualities and characteristics. Land suitability evaluation and land-use planning require large amounts of different data (quantitative and qualitative criteria) (Nguyen et al 2015)
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