Managing Urban Growth - by Using a GIS-based Multi Criteria Analysis

Over 65% of Palestinians are living in urban areas which are much higher than the international percentage which are 50 %. Ramallah-Al Bireh Governorate is the most rapid growing governorate and this is accompanied by a significant pressure on services, employment opportunities, and the need to provide appropriate accommodation for all people coming in from all over the West Bank governorates, cities, villages and camps. This book represent the study that aims to find suitable areas for absorbing urban growth in the Ramallah and Al Bireh governorate in order to alleviate the pressure on the city center as well as to find accommodations for all young families who looking for the better living conditions and a better environment. The study conducted through two major phases: Geographic Information System (GIS) was the major tool for the site selection in Phase One, while in Phase Two; Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) was applied to compare these sites together considering a set of criteria and different perspectives.