Integrated evaluation of urban development suitability based on remote sensing and GIS techniques: contribution from the analytic hierarchy process

Urban, industrial, and tourist developments are considered of high priority in Egypt. In the current research, the site suitability investigation for rating the different environmental, geological, and geotechnical conditions facing civil engineering projects were assessed using a geographic information system (GIS) multi-criteria approach. The study area is one of the most promising areas for urban and touristic as well as industrial developments in Egypt, which is located on the NW coast of the Gulf of Suez. This area may face several geo-environmental problems that will limit its suitability for civil projects. Weighted GIS model, which integrates different types of data sources, such as land use/cover, geological, geomorphological, geophysical, environmental, remote sensing, and field data, can be achieved to create a site suitability map. In this paper, an analytical hierarchy process approach has been used to develop the weighted model for different factors. As a result of this study, areas of potential geotechnical and geo-environmental hazards that could impact the design and construction of civil projects were identified. Therefore, changes can be made early in the design process before significant design efforts are being invested.