GIS-supported settlement area determination in post-earthquake reconstruction: an AHP-based suitability analysis in Adıyaman province

Conducting a suitability analysis using various data sets to determine the settlement areas of a city after an earthquake is of great importance. Future modeling developed in this direction will both support post-disaster urban growth and contribute to the formation of a sustainable city structure. Therefore, the use of scientifically based methods in the post-earthquake reconstruction process is of great importance. Correct site selection plays a critical role in minimizing loss of life and property and ensuring sustainable urban development. In this context, the suitability analysis for site selection in Adıyaman province, affected by the earthquake of February 6, 2023, was examined using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Within the scope of the study, various criteria and their weights were determined based on surveys based on expert opinion and literature. After this stage, each criterion was classified individually using geographic information systems (GIS) software. The resulting classification data were overlaid using the Weighted Overlay method in GIS software, and settlement suitability levels were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that 66% of the area was either 'not suitable at all' or 'not suitable' for settlement, while 16% was 'moderately suitable,' 13% was 'suitable,' and 5% was 'most suitable.