Suitability analysis of location to meet forest depot needs with the use of geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies have emerged as important tools for environmental resource management, natural disaster monitoring, ecosystem tracking, and sustainable development. These technologies enhance the accuracy and efficiency of complex decision-making processes by enabling the efficient collection, processing, and analysis of spatial data. In forests, while the sustainable management of forest products is a key goal, identifying appropriate storage areas is critical for both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study, conducted within the responsibility area of Ankara Regional Directorate of Forestry, Ilgaz Forest Management Directorate, and Forest Management Branch, focuses on the use of GIS and RS technologies, along with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within the framework of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) for determining the suitability of forest storage area locations. In this study, environmental, logistical, and socio-economic factors were combined based on a total of six criteria: land use/cover, slope, proximity to roads, protected areas, settlements, and existing storage areas. By applying the Weighted Overlay method to spatial data, suitability maps were created to visually support decision-making processes. According to the findings, approximately 64.88% of the study area is highly suitable for forest storage, with optimal locations characterized by low slope, proximity to road networks, and distance from sensitive ecological areas. This study highlights the potential of integrating GIS, RS, and AHP for sustainable forest management, providing a systematic approach to spatial decision-making in forest resource management.