CLASSIFICATION OF AREAS PRONE TO LANDSLIDES USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) IN MILA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

     Landslides are among the most complex geomorphological phenomena, as they involve a wide range of natural factors that ultimately lead to significant risks, especially in areas with diverse land uses and activities, such as residential, agricultural, and transportation networks, among others. Mila Municipality is one of the areas affected by landslide hazards due to its location within the larger Neogene Constantine Basin, which features varying physical conditions. This has made its lands more prone to such phenomena.

     The study aims to classify areas exposed to landslide risks in Mila Municipality by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a sophisticated tool that relies on quantitative structuring in decision-making processes using multiple criteria. This makes it an essential tool for risk planning and management.

     The method was applied to the study area using five criteria influencing landslides: topographic factors (elevation), slope, geological formations, hydrographic network, and vegetation cover. The final weight of each factor was determined based on its importance using pairwise comparison matrices. A weighted linear combination of the maps representing these factors was then performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

     The study resulted in producing a landslide hazard classification map that divides the municipality into five zones based on risk levels. This map can serve as an effective tool for land-use planning in the municipality.