GIS BASED URBAN LAND USE MAPPING AND PLANNING ASSESSMENT IN THE KINDA DISTRICT OF KUFA CITY

Abstract

Urban land use maps give necessary information about the location and availability of different uses of lands in cities. Conventional mapping techniques take much time and money but with GIS techniques this process becomes quick and easier. This study examines the land uses of the Kinda district in Kufa city, Iraq, using GIS mapping techniques. The GIS database was prepared using the master plan of Kufa city, cadastral maps, georeferenced satellite images, and field surveys. The analysis of spatial data using ArcGIS was performed to identify the land-use types, measure their areas and percentage, and to evaluate their per capita allocation compared with Iraqi urban planning standards. The total area of Kinda District is 50.1154 hectares with 3,818 inhabitants. Residential land use took the biggest percentage (26.5728 ha; 53.023%) while streets (10.420 ha; 20.79%) and commercial land use (5.6248 ha; 11.221%) were ranked second and third, respectively. Other land-use types included: green and recreational lands (3.2906 ha; 6.566%), educational facilities (2.4381 ha; 4.864%), health care (0.9022 ha; 1.800%), and religious use (0.8704 ha; 1.736%). Per-capita allocations of residential (69.69m²/person), commercial (14.7 m²/person). The results show that the Kinda District has a relatively balanced land use pattern in terms of urban areas and adequate provision of services based on local planning standards. The study has proven that GIS technology is capable of creating accurate, cost-effective and updated maps and spatial data base for urban land use patterns.