Land Capability Assessment for Regional Planning using AHP and GIS at Shandiz Urban Region, Northeast Iran

Abstract

To assess the land capability for spatial development of Shandiz urban region, northeast of Iran, a systematic regional planning approach was used based on multi-criteria evaluation framework. For this purpose, we applied the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) combined with geographical information system (GIS). The AHP method revealed that the factors, faults, slope and drainage as tension features with the weight values of 0.230, 0.196 and 0.171, respectively, are the most important parameters that affect the spatial development in the study area. The resulted map of land capability for spatial development in the region identifies the factors affecting the urban spatial development which will aid in appropriate planning and future development strategies. About 58.5 per cent of the study area at the north part of the study area have moderate to high capability for spatial development due to the intensity of road networks, flat topography and distance from ground water resources. In contrast, about 41.5 per cent of the regions at south part have low to negligible capability for spatial development, due to proximity to faults, steep slopes and main rivers. Based on our results, future spatial developments are predicted for all areas at the north part which corresponds well with flat pasture lands and stable geological formation. The implications of development perspective for urban planning at the region mainly concentrate on south parts where land cover and water resources are exposed to land use change and land degradation.