Utilizing Geographic Information Systems to Zone Landslide-Prone Areas for Urban Development in the Kandy Municipal Region, Sri Lanka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36777/jag2024.3.1.1Keywords:
Kandy,, Landslides, Zonation, Development, DisastersAbstract
This study aims to delineate areas susceptible to landslides in the Kandy Municipal Council area, considering the current pattern of urban development. Unplanned urbanisation has expanded into several parts of Kandy City, including areas that are vulnerable to landslides. Such vulnerability poses a significant constraint to sustainable urban development, particularly because urban planning and management authorities often lack detailed spatial information to guide development in hazard-prone areas. To address this issue, the study employs Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and geospatial technologies to identify and map landslide-susceptible areas. A range of factors, including terrain characteristics, soil composition, drainage patterns, precipitation distribution, road infrastructure, and building locations, were systematically analysed and integrated using a weighted overlay approach in GIS. The resulting landslide susceptibility map was subsequently overlaid with socio-economic and development data to identify areas exposed to landslide hazards, as well as the potential risks to roads and buildings. The findings indicate that approximately 35% of the study area falls within the high-hazard category, while approximately half is classified as medium hazard. The remaining areas are identified as low-hazard zones. These findings provide valuable spatial information to support urban planners and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding land-use planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban management in Kandy.
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