Optimal site selection of Commercial Complexes Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in GIS (Case Study: Ramsar City)

The performance reducion of commertial spaces, the linear decrease of retail centers, and lack of proper attention for parking spaces has always been the main issue distribution of commercial uses in urban areas. The aim of this study is to identify vulnerable commercial complexes in the coastal city of Ramsar to propose appropriate locations for further functioning. The methodology of research is based descriptive-analytical approaches. To analysis and selecting the proper sits ARC/GIS10 was applied. By using 11 layers of information and criteria such as land use, land slope, associated network access, proximity to densely populated areas …. the maps were classified via analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results indicate that the distribution of commercial complexes has no correspondence with population distribution. Consequently some parts of the city are out of commercial centers reach. On the base of the results, center and western areas of the city require commercial complexes, which should be done using GIS technique to avoid improper site selection.