The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Supporting Planning Decision-Making in Zawiya City

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) constitute a strategic tool in urban planning, as they contribute to transforming massive and complex data into usable information for the decision-making process, This study aims to analyze the role of GIS in supporting planning decision-making in the city of Zawiya, through presenting a theoretical and applied framework that links the analytical capabilities of GIS with the planning challenges from which the city suffers. The study concluded that adopting GIS as a supportive tool for planning decision-making in Zawiya can contribute to achieving an optimal spatial distribution of services, monitoring urban growth, assessing environmental risks, and supporting policies of sustainable urban development. The city of Zawiya as one of the major Libyan cities of strategic and industrial importance faces substantial planning challenges resulting from rapid population growth, unregulated urban expansion, weak infrastructure, and environmental degradation, This study has demonstrated that GIS can play a pivotal role in supporting planning decision-making in the city, by providing advanced analytical tools for monitoring urban growth, analyzing the distribution of services, planning infrastructure, and environmental assessment. Despite the challenges facing the application of these technologies, such as weak data and shortage of qualified personnel, investing in building institutional and human capacities in this field is an urgent necessity for achieving sustainable urban development in the city of Zawiya.