The Utilization of GIS in Analyzing Optimal Military Sites for Deployment of Military Units based on Defensive- Security Observations ((Case Study: Ardabil Province))

Selecting appropriate military site for deployment of a military unit is identified as determining factor in defense preparedness due to the special geographical and geostrategic situation of Iran, especially Ardabil province which is highly significant province in terms of its close proximity to the border of Iran. Moreover, selecting appropriate military sites for deployment of military units is capable of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of military units for dealing with military threats and crisis. Defensive-security observations are among the most important factors affecting the appropriate selection of military sites. Additionally, security and defensive components and criteria are also taken as the most determining factor in selecting appropriate military sites as well as establishing military units. As an analytical- descriptive study, this research was an attempt to analyze the optimal site for military establishment in Ardabil province based on defensive–security observations. To collect the required data, the study was conducted through investigating the defensive and security observations as well as utilizing the current resources and expert consultation. Having collected the data and weighing them in super decision software through running ANP model, the appropriate military site of military units were selected on the map in ARC GIS environment through utilizing the overlapping method of effective layers of site selection. Having analyzed the data, the optimal sites for military establishment were identified and zoned in this study. The findings revealed that from among total area of 17953 km of Ardabil province, 26.07 percent of total area of this region is totally inappropriate and 30.50 % of this area is inappropriate in terms of military site selection for military establishment in Ardabil province. The findings also revealed that 25.53 percent of Ardabil province is pretty appropriate, 13.12% of this region is appropriate and finally 4.76 percent of this province is wholly appropriate for military establishment.