An example of a suitability analysis supported by Geographic Information Systems in the evaluation of agricultural production-oriented urban production landscapes: Bartın

Abstract

Rapid population growth in cities has raised the necessity of taking measures regarding resource use. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, this necessity reminded society that the agricultural sector is one of the most crucial sectors for the future. In this study, suitable agricultural areas within the municipal boundary of Bart & imath;n province were identified using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Based on interviews with 15 experts, various factors such as land use type, slope, aspect, soil groups, land capability classes, and erosion risk were evaluated, and suitability maps were created. The findings indicate that 53.04% of the agricultural land within the municipal boundary is classified as highly suitable, 24.43% as suitable, and 22.45% as less suitable or not suitable. The suitability of public spaces (public areas, active and passive green spaces, healthcare facilities, places of worship, and educational areas) and arable lands was also analyzed. Among public spaces, 1.09% were classified as not suitable, 22.30% as less suitable, 66.22% as suitable, and 10.40% as highly suitable. In this context, it is argued that public spaces possess physical characteristics suitable for agricultural activities and can be considered production-oriented areas that enhance urban resilience.