SPATIAL MULTI CRITERIA ANALYSIS FOR SITING INDUSTRIES

Abstract

Industrial site selection is a complex problem which requires multi-criteria decision analysis involving economic, environmental and social parameters. Multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques can be used under such conditions to identify and rank options for subsequent detailed evaluation, or to distinguish acceptable from unacceptable possibilities. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) can beneficially be used for assigning weights to different criteria in MCDA. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop a GIS based methodology for industrial site selection. Among twelve criteria considered, proximity from settlement area and highway appear most dominating for the purpose. Application of the methodology for industrial site identification around Varanasi city (India) has been demonstrated.