Assessment of Industrial Areas in Terms of Plan Sustainability through GIS and AHP Integration: The Case of Trabzon

Abstract. This study aims to identify the most suitable locations for large-scale industrial facilities in the districts of Yomra, Arsin, Araklı, Sürmene, and Köprübaşı in Trabzon Province. Eight physical, infrastructural, and environmental criteria, determined through a literature review and consultations with local experts, were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The criteria were selected based on their frequency of use in previous studies and the availability of data. The obtained weights were integrated into a raster analysis process within the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment. The data were converted into raster format with a 10-meter resolution in the TUREF/TM33 coordinate system, reclassified, and analyzed through a weighted overlay method. As a result of the analysis, areas classified as “high” and “very high” suitability were identified as potential industrial zones, and these areas were compared with existing zoning plan decisions to evaluate the sustainability of the plans. The resulting suitability map provides an original output that can serve as a decision-support tool in the industrial area planning of Trabzon.