An analytical study on the residential land suitability of the Kurunegala urban area using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Abstract

Urban development and planning, with residential construction based on land suitability, has recently become a prominent trend in both developed and developing countries. This research conducts an analytical study on the residential land suitability of the Kurunegala urban area using Geographic Information System (GIS). Kurunegala urban area is presently experiencing rapid urbanisation, land scarcity, and uncontrolled development and has created a critical need for sustainable land use planning. The principal research problem is addressing the lack of spatially based strategies for assessing residential land suitability. The research questions are: what are the best suitable areas in the Kurunegala urban area for residential development? The aims of the study are to evaluate land suitability with spatial techniques and support sustainable residential planning. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire survey, while secondary data were collected using research papers and from relevant institutions. The methodology combines GIS and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in order to perform a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Slope, drainage, land use, roads, population, and forest were considered factors. These were ranked by expert judgment and superimposed using a Weighted Overlay Analysis in GIS. Results showed that approximately 0.04% of the Kurunegala urban area is highly suitable for habitation purposes, 3.60% is relatively suitable, and 49.17% is unsuitable based on environmental constraints or limited access to services. The most appropriate land is found in the central and south-west parts of the region, with gentle slopes and well-developed infrastructure, though the northeast parts are restricted by slope inclination and ecological sensitivity. The study concludes that GIS-based AHP models can be useful tools to identify the best areas for residential expansion, thereby assisting in more harmonic and ecologically sustainable urban development. These findings are of practical use to local governments and city planners to make zoning and infrastructure development decisions. The study also informs policy formulation targeted at sustainable urban development. Future research can incorporate dynamic factors such as land value trends and community needs in order to facilitate more advanced planning.