Creating a system for supporting integrated spatial planning in island areas

Περίληψη

Spatial planning, in both local and regional scale, is a crucial factor for the development of the Greek territory, although its been hindered by significant weaknesses and controversies.. In order to confront the implications of the current multidimensional crisis it is necessary to utilize all its available resources and assets. One suggestion is the development of the Greek islands in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Territorial planning, integrated coastal zone management and maritime spatial planning are critical factors of this process. This paper aims in developing a tool for supporting islands integrated spatial planning (territorial, coastal, marine), through the assessment of indicators. The indicators selected are grouped in categories with a view to cover all three pillars of sustainable development. However, it should be noted that each indicator affects to a different degree and in a different extend spatial planning and as a result the importance and the role of each indicator differs. In order to assess the degree that each indicator affects islands integrated spatial planning, both Analytic Hierarchy Process and Expert Choice 11 software have been employed. Study area of this research is Rhodes Island. Finally, in order to calculate the weight of each indicator according to its significance in integrated spatial planning, it was created a complex system. This tool is able to facilitate the islands sustainable development in the decision making process. GIS software was used to adapt the system in accordance with the characteristics of the study area.