An analysis of urban land development using Multi-Criteria Decision Model (MCDA) and GIS (A case study of Babolsar city)

Subject Areas : Urban and Regional Planning Studies

sedigheh  lotfi ¹ (دانشیار دانشگاه مازندران، گروه جغرافیا، بابلسر، ایران)
kioumars  habibi ² (استادیار دانشگاه کردستان، گروه شهرسازی، کردستان، ایران)

Received: 2010-08-16 Accepted : 2012-03-15 Published : 2012-02-20

Keywords: GIS, Urban Planning, Physical expansion, MCDA, Babolsar,

Abstract :

The unplanned physical expansion of cities is one of the most important problems of urban management in developing countries. Iran, like other developing world has experienced a high level of urbanization growth which transformed the physical fabric of urban areas. North of Iran is one of most rapid growing region of the country where the moderate climate and a tourism based economy encouraged many developers to investigate in housing sector. So, the primary outcome of such process was the out-growth of the city boundaries in the region. This research attempts to present an appropriate model for urban physical development. The study is based on the different parameters such as environmental and socio-economic factors to provide a good understanding of the city behavior in its geographical setting. Through applying the Multi-Criteria Decision Model (MCDA) and GIS, the most appropriate area will be introduced for near future development. The results revealed that the integrated GIS and MCDA model has many potentials which allow the planner or user investigate the final decision for site selection for future urban physical development.