Geomatic tools for sustainable planning: application for locating appropriate landfills

Abstract

This study is based on the use of geographic information system, remote sensing and multiple-criteria decision analysis as tools and methods well suited for the selection of the appropriate sites for landfills; which best illustrates the multidisciplinary approach to allow the selection of environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially acceptable sites with high precision and within reasonable cost and time. The result indicates that on the total of the studied area; 3·6% (4634 ha) is highly suitable, 12% (16282 ha) is suitable, 3·1% (3907 ha) is moderately suitable and 80% (102632 ha) is unsuitable for a landfill. Indeed, the results show that six priority sites have been selected for solid waste disposal in Casablanca city area: five sites suitable in the province of Nouaceur and one site in the province of Mediouna.