Application of Geographic Information System for forward planning of the Russian Federation subject rural areas

The present article deals with the issues of elaboration and analysis of methods of rural areas planning within the framework of agro-industrial complex development in Rostov Region. In order to ensure a possibility of forward planning for the rural areas, a method of development planning for agro-industrial complex in the Russian Federation subject has been elaborated. This method consists of 5 stages and comprises analysis of agriculture development on both regional and federal levels, and foresees a transition onto the local level for each AIC object. Algorithm of land suitability for agricultural purposes underlies this method. This article describes all stages of algorithm implementation. One of the implementation stages is the identification of criteria for sustainable development of rural areas. Based on the mentioned criteria, and with the use of ArcGIS ESRI software, electronic maps demonstrating the natural resources potential, anthropogenic impact on the areas, and the existing situation regarding the development of agricultural industry branches in the region. Generation and analysis of electronic maps allowed to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the Rostov Region territory. This article also covers a calculation of functional ranking, based on which the territories of the utmost priority for agricultural industry development have been identified in the region.