Using geographic information systems and remote sensing in preliminary development plan assessments: case study from Adana-Karataş

Information is an important and powerful resource that requires effective use. Under auspices of integration of remote sensing and geographic ınformation systems in today's digitalage, spatial information can be collected, stored, processed and analyzed. Thus, the resources can be managed more efficiently. Land use plannings are prepared in order to protect and develop physical, natural, historical and cultural values, to maintain the balance of protection and utilization, to support sustainable development at country, region and city level, to create healthy and safe environments with high quality of life. In this study, firstly, the data of Karataş District have been compiled within the frame work of the development plan research of the spatial plans construction regulation. Then, the land use of the Karataş District in different periods was examined and land use map for the settlement areas was prepared using the geographical ınformation systems and remote sensing techniques. In order to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, the sites identified as unsuitable areas can be evaluated in order to create tourism diversity.