Development of a GIS-based Decision Support System for Urban Planning and Management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban planning and management play crucial roles in shaping sustainable and efficient cities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable tools in this field, providing valuable spatial data analysis capabilities. This thesis focuses on the development of a GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS) specifically tailored for urban planning and management. The primary objective is to enhance decision-making processes by integrating spatial data analysis, visualization, and modeling functionalities within a user-friendly interface. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review to establish the theoretical framework and identify key concepts, methodologies, and technologies relevant to GIS-based decision support systems in urban planning. The literature review also explores existing DSS applications in urban planning and management to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. The methodology chapter details the research design, data collection methods, and the development process of the GIS-based DSS. Key components include data acquisition, database design, system architecture, algorithm development, and user interface design. The research methodology emphasizes a systematic and iterative approach to ensure the effectiveness and usability of the DSS. The findings chapter presents the results of the GIS-based DSS development process, including system functionalities, data analysis capabilities, visualization tools, and user interactions. The discussion section evaluates the performance of the DSS in addressing urban planning challenges, such as land use optimization, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk management. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and contributions of the research, highlighting the significance of the GIS-based DSS for enhancing decision-making processes in urban planning and management. The study demonstrates the potential of integrating GIS technologies with decision support systems to improve spatial data analysis, scenario planning, and policy formulation in urban environments. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on GIS applications in urban planning and provides a practical framework for developing decision support systems tailored to the unique challenges of urban areas. The GIS-based DSS offers a valuable tool for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and promote sustainable development in cities.