Road Accessibility Analysis of Hillside Development Using Geographic Information System

Abstract

Encroachment of hillsides for development has become apparent in certain developing countries because of shortage of flat land. This unavailability encourages severe environmental problems where unstable slope exist. This threat results a huge loss of life and resources. Hence, this paper aims to determine the road accessibility of hillsides to be developed. Geographic Information System (GIS) technique Least-Cost Path Analysis (LCPA) gives a platform to determine road accessibility easily from the starting and end point locations. Results found that GIS is an important computer technology which can solve complicated land use planning problems such as accessibility analysis for hillside development. This research focused on possible site accessibility by employing the GIS least-cost path analysis for hillside development of the study area. The purpose was to determine site accessibility in terms of road access in view of its hilly topography. It can be a useful technique for various stakeholders like urban planners, engineers and policy makers. This aspect of the research enriches land suitability analysis and addresses environmental and economic challenges encountered for the foreseeable future of hillside development. This study covers standard procedures for accessibility modelling from the beginning of assessing land suitability and modelling with the acquisition, preparation and computation of spatial data.