PJB-2024-322
Land suitability evaluation for olives (Olea europaea subsp. europaea) using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis: The case study of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
Saad M. Howladar
Abstract
Land suitability evaluation is becoming fundamental to rural spatial development, as it directly contributes to designing successful and sustainable interventions. The current study aimed to evaluate the suitability of Albaha land for the cultivation of olive trees using the integration of geographical information systems (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The mapping units of the study area were determined by visual interpretation of the satellite image (Landsat 8). These mapping units were improved by integrating satellite image data and a digital elevation model (DEM). The Plateau, Piedmont, Pen Plain, and Valley dominated the study area. In order of priority, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach was used due to its relative ease of handling multiple criteria. The results of land suitability showed that, according to the proposed model, the majority of the study area is classified as moderately suitable for olive cultivation, which occupies 172078 hectares, representing 60% of the study area due to the slope, which is considered the limiting factor. In comparison, the rest of the area (116292 hectares) is classified as highly suitable, representing 40% of the environmental conditions, i.e., soil properties, water quality, and climate conditions that are suitable for olive production. The results of this study highlighted the potential integration of modeling and GIS-MCDA as an effective and flexible technique that contributes to improving land suitability assessment for olives in the study area, making it more accurate and reliable.
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