Evaluating the ecological suitability of city land in the Karst area:A case study in Guiyang city

The ecological suitability of land in Guiyang city was evaluated using GIS and RS systems to harmonize land use development and ecosystem protection in the Karst area.The multi factor-overlay method was used with 11 factors related to the geology,environment and economies.The values of these factors were determined using the Delphi method,with the weights of each factor determined using an analytical hierarchy process.Six classes of ecological suitability levels were generated with extreme suitability,moderate suitability,weak suitability,low suitability,poor suitability and no-development zones,with percentage of each zone being 4.62%,19.99%,23.25%,23.74%,17.71% and 10.69%,respectively.Different measures for different zones are suggested to protect weak ecosystems and reasonably and effectively use land in the Karst areas.