Reviewing the suitability of the urban growth area using the AHP method: A case study of the Ain-Touta master plan

Urban growth is the expansion of cities and towns, both in size and population. It is driven by factors such as population growth, migration, economic development, and land use changes. As populations rise, demand for housing, infrastructure, and services also increases. This leads to expanding urban areas. Selecting urban growth areas is complex due to the overlapping of data and indicators. A multidisciplinary approach is essential. This study uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable data flow and various analysis methods. The paper will explain how GIS supports urban master plan implementation through a digital approach that combines Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and GIS. The objective of this research is to identify areas in Ain Touta suitable for urban growth. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) supports and improves the urban master plan. AHP uses linear algebra to evaluate each pair-wise comparison. Each criterion receives a weighting based on its perceived importance. A higher weight signals a pivotal role in decision-making. In this context, environmental quality, safety, accessibility, and soil geotechnical considerations are the main factors in selecting sites for expansion.