Spatial Analysis of the Land Suitability for Sustainable Urban Construction in the Mountainous Regions of the Eastern Mediterranean: A Case Study

Investigations on Land Suitability for urban construction (LSUC) remain limited in the mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean, despite increasing urbanisation pressures. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of LSUC in the mountain-plateau district of Al-Shiakhbader, Tartous Governorate, Syria, using nine spatial data layers that encompass physical, environmental, and socio-economic factors. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to generate a weighted suitability map. Results reveal that approximately 12% of the study area is very highly suitable for urban construction, predominantly due to favorable terrain slope (average 8 degrees), flat curvature, moderate aspect, and proximity to existing infrastructure such as roads and built-up areas. Conversely, 50% are classified as low to very low suitability, mainly in the north-eastern and south-eastern zones characterized by steep slopes (above 20 degrees), convex curvature, dense vegetation cover, and proximity to geological faults, highlighting critical areas for ecological protection. These findings emphasize the potential for sustainable urban expansion in Al-Shiakhbader, while safeguarding environmentally sensitive zones. We recommend that regional planners prioritize development in highly suitable zones to reduce the risks of landslides and ecological degradation, and implement strict land-use controls in unsuitable areas. This research fills a vital gap in mountainous LSUC studies, offering a replicable GIS-AHP methodology for regional land management and contributing to balanced socio-economic development in mountainous Mediterranean landscapes.