Automatic meteorology observation station location selection in Mersin using geographic information systems and analytical hierarchy process

Turkey includes different climatic conditions due to its geographical location. It is assumed that there are changes in climatic zones due to global warming. Preparing a climate zone map is possible with at least 30 years of data. For this reason, the primary action in determining the climate and weather conditions is to make observations. There is a need for meteorological stations that collect sufficient number and appropriate distribution of quality data for observation data. There are 34 Automatic Meteorology Observation Stations (AMOS) within the borders of Mersin province. The aim of this study is to choose the most suitable location for the stations to be established. Mersin province has a topographic structure that starts at zero meters from the sea and rises to a height of about three thousand meters. This height difference causes changes in climate elements such as temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation and wind. This situation ensures that different climatic characteristics can be seen at the same time in Mersin. Other factors affecting climate elements include criteria such as location, vegetation and distance to the sea. In this study, three main criteria such as factors affecting climate elements, land uses and existing stations were discussed. With the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, criteria data were analyzed and scores were given. The weights of the criteria were calculated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The OMGI site selection map was obtained according to the degree of suitability and a total of 17 new station points were proposed in the appropriate areas.