Planning at Site-Level in Hill Regions Using Geodesign-Based Approach

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development of the geodesign-based process for supporting site-level planning in hill regions. It provides a rational and quantitative approach to ensure sustainable development of hill regions. The process developed has three cycles which revolve around the five common core steps. In the first cycle, factors influencing site-level planning are identified and data corresponding to these factors are acquired. In the second cycle, methods for analysing the data acquired are finalized. Finally, in the third cycle, the methods finalized are executed to provide solution for site-level planning. The geographic information system (GIS)-based working model was developed for the automation of the developed process. The developed working model includes various GIS-based tools for spatial and overlay analysis, reclassification, and digitization to derive alternate scenarios. The process was implemented for its validation in the planning of the new institutional campus and identification of locations required for additional built-up spaces in an existing campus. The planning solution of the new institutional campus derived from the developed process has 10 % additional green area and conserved forest, 30% less surface runoff, and 11% more solar irradiance. The implementation results established that the planning decisions taken using the developed process were contextually more appropriate in conserving the sensitive ecosystem of the site under consideration.