Identifying the optimum locations for food industries in Qaemshahr-Iran, using GIS and image processing techniques

Abstract

Determining optimum locations for an industry is a critical and complex decision for manufacturers. To select a potential site to establish food industries, various criteria should be considered regarding accessibility, delivery, market, and environmental factors. In this study, the weighted overlay method was employed to develop an up-to-date geodatabase providing the potential areas for establishing food industries to assist urban development in Qaemshahr city, Iran. The required data were acquired through various sources including remote sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Geographical Information System (GIS). To achieve the aim, firstly the criteria of food industries settlement in Qaemshahr city have been measures, and the corresponding maps have been prepared. Using weighted overlay method all weighted maps were aggregated and final suitability map was established. Finally, the suitable sites for food industries in Qaemshahr were determined. The results have been validated by experts practicing Qaemshahr urban development. The results showed that around 172 sites are suitable for establishing the food industries in Qaemshahr. Accuracy assessment analysis proved the effectiveness of the achieved results with the accuracy level of 90%. The study concluded that the geodatabase model prepared in this study could be useful for future food industry development plans in Qaemshahr city, Iran