USING MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION TO DETERMINE SUITABLE LAND USE AREAS IN COASTAL ZONES. CASE STUDY OF ZONGULDAK CITY, TURKEY

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the usability of multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainable development in the coastal zone of Zonguldak. Zonguldak is located in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. The city has limited flat terrain in and around it for further development. A geographical information system (GIS) is a powerful analytical tool for mapping suitable locations for urban development. This study analysed the terrain in and around Zonguldak using ArcGIS software to identify suitable locations for development. The results of the analysis show that there is limited suitable space for urban development in Zonguldak, and this in turn affects the land use pattern in the coastal zone of the city.