Application of GIS and AHP for land use suitability analysis: case of Demirci district (Turkey)

The current study aims to create a land use suitability map for the Demirci district of Manisa province in which the Analytical Hierarchy Process, one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques, and Weighted Overlay methods are used. Eleven factors (soil, LCC, OSC, erosion, soil depth, elevation, slope, aspect, geomorphology, temperature, and precipitation) affecting land use were determined according to previous similar studies and expert consultation. Priorities of basic land use types were also designated based on expert consultation. After this process, layer maps were created using GIS software. With these layer maps, a land use suitability map of the district was drawn through an analytic hierarchy process and weighted overlay analysis. The suitability of the land in terms of three different forms of use, namely forest, meadow-pasture, and agricultural areas was revealed. As a result of the study, it has been revealed that the most incompatibility between the current land use and land use suitability is in agricultural land. The results also indicate that most of the areas which should be pasture are used as agriculture and forest areas. The southern slopes of the Simav-Demirci Mountains, Asi Tepe, and its surroundings are suitable for forest areas. The study not only contributes to the local and national economy by revealing unsuitable land uses in the research area suggesting different ways of use but also helps the continuity of the ecosystem by ensuring the protection of natural areas.