Determining the optimum direction development of Mashhad city by using multi criteria evaluation model, RS and GIS

One of the problems of urban planning، considering the population growth and lack of fundamental facilities is choosing proper direction and physical development of the city، for fulfilling the future needs. Since the development of the city involves extensive land for construction; this has decreased the level of efficiency، especially agricultural lands. For this reason، thorough study is needed in this field. In this article Geographic Information System and remote sensing technique was used to determine the perfect direction for Mashhad city expansion. first of all، the physical growth of the city during different stages especially after was studied. Then weighted critic method، multi criteria evaluation model، and even comparative method factors such as distance from the urban user، distance from the fault، distance from good quality agricultural land and orchards، geology and land slope were used for optimal expansion of the city. After the final analysis، it was revealed that the directions that face obstacles are: South، South West، North East and East of the city. It was found that the best directions for the city expansion are North West and the West of Mashad.