GIS-based urban sustainability assessment: The case of Dammam city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper applies an integrated approach to assessing urban sustainability in Dammam City, Saudi Arabia. The approach, based on geographic information systems (GIS), involves the evaluation of the planning process, the master plan and the land use activities resulting from planning. It concludes that some aspects of sustainability are not addressed by the planning process and the plan document. The planning process and the plan document addressed economic sustainability issues more than social and environmental issues. The result of the GIS-based sustainability assessment of the study area produces similar findings. The paper develops a sustainable planning guidance and makes some recommendations based on the findings.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in carrying out this study. The comments made by the referees are also appreciated.