GIS-Based Spatial Framework for Sustainable Urban Planning and Development for Hilly Areas: A Case Study for Joshimath City in Uttarakhand, India

Urban development in hilly regions faces challenges due to a complex terrain, varying elevations, and seismic risks. Because of the complexity of the relationship between different factors, conventional techniques of site suitability may not be very efficient. In the literature, various researchers have employed conventional techniques such as subjective expert scoring, the analytical hierarchy process technique, manual map overlay, and single-factor slope-based suitability methods. However, these often fail to capture the interdependence between topographic, geological, environmental, and accessibility factors. In the GIS-based analysis, various parameters related to the terrain and environment can be efficiently and accurately modeled and analyzed. The study employs a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis by integrating the multi-influencing factor (MIF) technique to assign weights to different factors. The validation of the resulting suitability map was done using the detailed damage assessment report published by the District Disaster Management Authority in 2023. This official report provided the actual locations of structural damage and collapses. The findings from the analysis revealed that 85% of these buildings fell in areas classified as unsuitable, which strongly correlated with steep slopes, high elevations, dense vegetation, and fault zones. Areas with mild slopes, lower elevations, and sparse vegetation were identified as suitable. The 15% misclassifications suggested some limitations in the classification factors that could be improved in future studies. The integration of GIS with the MIF technique presented an effective analytical framework for spatial decision support. The proposed framework is operationally applicable at multiple planning decision levels, including zoning allocation, micrositing evaluation, development control regulation, and building permit screening in hilly urban settlements. Urban planning in hilly regions lacks consistency. Therefore, this study also recommends updating existing building regulations and master plans in hilly regions. This proposed framework is replicable for urban development in other similar regions.