Optimal Site Selection of a Military Encampment of Imam Ali Military University through Utilizing Mixed Method Including GIS and Linear Programming Model

Military site selection is identified as a technique for investigating military site capabilities in terms of a sufficiency and the appropriateness of ground, site relevancy with urban and rural utilities as well as appropriate selection of military sites. Moreover, selection of appropriate military sites requires precise assessment of ground through utilizing appropriate models and tools. This study was an attempt to select an appropriate site for military encampment of Imam Ali military university through utilizing a mixed method including GIS and LPM. For this purpose, this study was also aimed to identify and then prioritize the optimal sites of military encampment of Imam Ali military university. Additionally, in a bid to identify the effective factors affecting the site selection of military encampment, the study was also conducted through administering a questionnaire and also conducting an interview among geographical and military experts and elites. Moreover, the ARC GIS data base was obtained through digital and topography maps and then weighed through AHP decision making model. Thereupon, 10 military sites of encampment were emerged as a result of AHP and also ARC GIS data processing. Having collected the data and analyzing them based on AHP and also in an attempt to maximize the security coefficient of selected sites for military encampment, linear programming model was also run in this study. The factors including financial constrains and limitations, policies of university and commanders’ decision were also investigated in this study. Finally, from among 10 military sites of encampment including mountain, desert and jungle encampment, an appropriate site was identified and selected for military encampment.