The spatial modeling of urban expansion. Case study Msila

Understanding, analysis, monitoring and modelling of urban growth evolution as a major driving force of land use, especially in developed countries, is of great importance for land managers in the process of development. This research aims to analyse the spatial modelling of urban expansion using modern technologies - Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (D-AHP) hybrid model and Geographic Information System (GIS) technique for Land-Use Assessment. These techniques are used to detect the most suitable and unsuitable areas in the Msila zone. By engaging residents and experts to choose criteria for analysing urban expansion, the study showed that 80.75% of total area represent suitable lands for expansion and around 19% represent unsuitable lands. By reading the results of the study, it is clear that the total suitable lands are located in the southwestern side of the city.