Raster GIS Modelling when Selecting a Suitable Solid Waste Dumping Site

Abstract

Disposal of solid waste is a major problem which is rapidly increasing with the growth of population and development of industries. In a majority of places, open pits have become major disposal locations causing severe environmental and health issues. Since, solid waste disposing is an important part of a waste management system, locating proper sites for solid waste disposal is considering main issue for the management of solid waste. Site selection involves working with several map layers while requiring qualitative assessment for decision making. Multiple layer operations can be carried out by using Geographic Information system and is a suitable method for site selection. Vector and raster data models are the primary data models used in GIS. The present study is intended to demonstrate the capabilities of raster GIS formats in suitability analysis by finding out a suitable site for the disposal of urban solid waste generated from Rathnapura municipality. Concept and the objective function were identified and the factors which are necessary to achieve the aims of study were determined by reviewing literature. AHP technique in combination with GIS overlaying was used to arrive at optimum weights for each parameter. In literature land use, water bodies, flood risk zones, streams, population density, protected area, major roads, landslide prone zones, water supply sources, ground water depth, proximity to roads, rainfall, build-up areas, slope and soil are described as factors affecting land selection. According to the results obtained, 0.59 km2 of area was suitable for solid dumping site. In Raster GIS multilayer operations can be perform and overlaying process is very fast, causing data analysis is quick and easy. GIS technique is a better tool for suitability analysis as it reduce time and cost of site selection..