A Research on Determining the Importance Levels of Criteria Effective in Forest Road Network Planning through GIS-Based Methods

Abstract

This study investigated the importance levels of criteria effective in forest road network planning using Geopraphic Information System (GIS)- based Multi- Criteria Evaluation (MCE) method. It is crucial to determine the criteria to be considered in forest road construction and planning for a standardized application nationwide. The research was conducted within the boundaries of the Yaylacık Forest Management Directorate (YFMD) under the Tokat Forest Management. Firstly, the existing road network was identified in the research. After the identification of the existing road network, a GIS database was created. In this study, criteria to be used, in Forest Road Network Planning (terrain slope, aspect, road density, distance to road, land use, distance to main stream) were determined. Each criterion was classified and scored internally. Information from road and road network planning studies and previous works were utilized in determining the criteria to be used in Forest Road Network Planning. Five different degrees and suitability values are defined for the determined criteria. In this context, it was created to reach 5 fundamental road network planning functions to determine their positional statuses as Absence (Ab), Very Suitable Areas for road planning (VS), Suitable Areas for road planning (S), Less Suitable Areas for road planning (LS), and Very Less Suitable Areas for road planning (VLS). As a result, Terrain Slope and Road Density were determined as the most effective criteria in Road Network Planning, while Distance to Main Stream was identified as the least effective criterion. As a result of the study, a flow chart was created to determine the criteria and impact values that are effective in forest road network planning in order to ensure integrity and convenience in application throughout the country.