Decision making via the analysis of school locations in Kirkuk province using gis technology

GIS technology is increasing in importance and now affects many aspects of daily life. In recent decades, GIS technology has entered many service fields, in particular health and education, two of the most popular services in any community. GIS technology is often employed to both regulate these services and to make better decisions. Furthermore, in order to construct a new and modern city in any country, GIS technology is typically used to achieve homogeneity of service distribution for the benefit for all citizens across society. The present thesis thus examines the challenges currently facing the city of Kirkuk in terms of service distribution, especially regarding education services. The results show that schools in the study area suffer from poor distribution, putting pressure on the service providers and adversely affecting the standard of education. Recommendations based on this research include the need to develop a plan aimed at the development of education services which is in line with both planning and exceptional standards. Work should be undertaken to establish new school sites in order to meet the shortfall currently experienced in the study area, taking into account urban development and future population growth. Finally, this thesis identifies those schools which are either directly or indirectly at risk due to their proximity to institutions targeted by terrorist operations.