Abstract:
The objective of this study is to analyse the potential of geographical information system (GIS) in decision making in rail route planning process. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques have been used to create a least-cost path route to connect two places in the hilly area (Dehradun and Janki Chatti). In this study, Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) map has been prepared using weighted rating scheme. Slope/Elevation, aspect, lithology, land use, drainage, lineaments, faults and soil are used for this purpose based on the importance of each factor influencing landslide hazard. Multi-criteria decision approach (MCDA) is used to determine the ranking of the relative parameters. Rank sum, rank exponent, ratio estimation and AHP methods have been used to determine the weightage of the relative parameters. All the route alignment factors are reclassified at 0-9 rating scale and multiplied by corresponding weight of each parameter to generate combined weight (discrete weight) map using spatial analyst module of Arc GIS software. The resultant weighted maps of four methods have been used for finding best shortest path between Dehradun and Janki Chatti. After finding four routes, the best route alignment has been selected based on the minimum length of route, minimum number of bridges and culverts, maximum number of habitations connectivity within 5km buffer zone, maximum number of tourist places connectivity within 5km buffer zone and total length of runnels required. Elevation profile analysis has been generated for all the four identified routes and analysis has been done on the identified routes. The best results are achieved by ratio estimation method, followed by AHP method It is observed that slope, land use and drainage parameters are more sensitive (in that order) as compared to other parameters.
