Mapping of GIS-Land Use Suitability in the Rural–Urban Continuum between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj Cities, KSA Based on the Integrating GIS Multi Criteria Decision Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The management of land use in big cities and capitals and the surrounding adjacent urban aggregates is still of major importance in the field of urban development, especially in cities with populations of millions and various types of land uses and economic activities. The rural–urban continuum between the cities of Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj suffers from an unclear general land use trend, due to urban expansion at the expense of the agriculture lands, the imbalance of the population compound, the deterioration of the urban fabric, lack and poor distribution of services, and the dominance of industrial land use at the expense of other uses. These factors have led to an increase in environmental changes and loss of the environmental and ecological characteristics of this area between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj. The present study aims at evaluating the land use suitability for urban development in the rural–urban continuum between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities. This is achieved by using the GIS-based Multi Criteria decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) on twelve various economic, environmental, urban, and law criteria. The weights of criteria were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The results of the spatial suitability map of the land use for sustainable urban development revealed that there are five categories of spatial suitability ranging in suitability from 32% to 86%. The recommended areas for sustainable urban development are those with a spatial suitability upwards of 70% in the rural–urban continuum corridor between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities. The sustainable development in this corridor can be achieved by executing high priority projects that ensure and support the urban sustainable development plan through establishing four local urban development centers and upgrading four current villages to rural communities, aiming at strengthening the functional bonds between the rural communities and the local urban development centers. These projects will limit the sustainable urban development to specific areas without allowing random expansion, avoiding the urban conjugation of the two Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities through the connecting area between them.

Land Suitability Analysis for Sustainable Urban Development: A Case of Nabatiyeh Region in Lebanon

“…For instance, topographic factors, such as slope and elevation, were found as some of the main driving factors for SUD in cities [19,37]. The accessibility to social activities and economic opportunities, represented by the distance from residential, commercial, and industrial areas, was also found as an essential element in defining the suitable location for SUD [13,38,39]. This requirement is highly provided by compact urban fabrics.…”

Spatial Modelling Analysis for Potential Expansion of Cipanas City Candidate Area as Autonomous City

“…This entails good planning, consideration of environmental sustainability, and attention to the social changes that could result from the development. Land use decisions for sustainable urban development require consideration of various physical, environmental, demographic, natural, economic, planning, social, and managerial factors (Karim et al, 2020).…”

“…This method plays an important role in urban planning by comprehensively analysing spatial data, identifying potential development areas, and proposing optimal land use strategies (Zakarya et al, 2021). Land suitability evaluation includes assessing suitable areas for development by determining the suitability index of a particular area (Karim et al, 2020). It is considered the best and most effective method for finding areas that suit different parameters or criteria influencing the decision to settle in a place (Saha & Roy, 2021).…”

Evaluating the Landscape and Ecological Aspects of Urban Planning in Byblos: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Assessing Urban Forests

“…Rural-urban migration resulted in rapid urbanization, and people began settling in the cities and their surroundings. This increased the number of surfaces made of asphalt and other hard materials [2], which had a severe impact on natural ecosystems and might have even led to a radical loss in these ecosystems [1,3]. Although urban spaces cover only 2% of the surface of the earth, they emit considerable amounts of greenhouse gases and more than 70% of global CO 2 emissions; this is due to the heavy use of fossil fuels for transportation, heating, etc.…”