Land Suitability Analysis Using Geospatial Techniques: A Proposed Project for Jose Maria College Expansion

Abstract

Efficient school planning requires a thorough and inclusive plan upon deciding on a suitable site that responds to the needs of the students and designs for future growth. Schools established in a secure and effective environment have a fundamental part in enhancing the capacity and excellence of students. Determining suitable innovative educational sites is essential and challenging to assure efficiency and long-term sustainability. The main objective of this research was to conduct a land suitability analysis using the suitability map generated from GIS-MCDA procedures according to a set of predefined criteria based on national standards. The criteria used for the analysis in this study were based only on the combined factors from the manual of regulations DO No. 88 s.2010, and CMO No. 40 s.2008 published by DepEd and CHED for establishing private institutional sites and buildings. The proposed expansion site is situated in Barangay Indangan Buhangin District, Davao City, with a total area of 40 hectares (400,000 m²). The result of the suitability map showed that the study area is highly suitable for an institutional site based on the four factors considered in the analysis.

Keywords: Geographical Information System (GIS), Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Suitability Map