Routing of Road Network through Least Cost Pathway Algorithm to Minimize Impacts on Environment

In line with growth and sustainable development of the country and fundamental evolution of economic and social matters, the role of road networks becomes ever more significant. The network provides access to hot spots and movement of materials which are necessary for such a development. To address sustainable road development, GIS techniques were used to determine the optimum routes. All important parameters like slope, geology, landslide, etc. were selected, collated in a data base and used to create a cost layer. Then, using the Least Cost Pathway Algorithm, the four routes based on different cost layers were designed in GIS. These cost layers were calculated based on variable threshold values related to each criterion. Finally the optimum way was selected according to distance from landslide zone, fault lines, high slope areas and proximity to economical centres. As conclusion and in comparison, we found that currently designed road without regard to environmental factors may lead to selection of ways that will pass through inhibited zones increasing the likelihood of damage to the environment and economical costs.