USE OF GIS IN DETERMINING THE SPATIAL SUITABILITY OF URBAN EXPANSION IN MILA

Abstract

This article presents an applied study aimed at analyzing and identifying suitable areas for urban expansion in the city of Mila using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study was based on a set of geographical, environmental, and economic criteria, such as land topography, current land use, proximity to roads, and infrastructure networks.

Data were collected from various sources and analyzed within a GIS environment, where thematic maps were produced for each individual criterion. These maps were then integrated using multi-criteria analysis models (such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process – AHP – or Weighted Overlay) to determine areas with high, moderate, and low suitability for urban expansion.

The study concluded that the use of GIS technologies significantly supports urban decision-making and provides a precise tool for guiding future urban growth in a sustainable manner, while preserving natural resources and avoiding expansion into unsuitable areas.