Integrated GIS-MCDA approach for planning sustainable urban development in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Why Urban Planning Matters in Trin¬comalee Trincomalee District, home to Sri Lanka’s largest natural harbor, is undergoing rapid urban growth. While development brings economic opportunities, unplanned expansion can place heavy pressure on infrastructure, agricultural lands, and environmen¬tally sensitive areas. Problems such as traffic con¬gestion, loss of green spaces, flooding, and infor¬mal settlements often emerge when cities grow without clear spatial guidance. To avoid these challenges, urban growth needs to be planned, informed, and evidence based. Identi¬fying where development should happen is just as important as deciding how it should happen. This study focuses on supporting that decision-making process by using modern geospatial tools to iden¬tify the most suitable areas for future urban devel¬opment in the Trincomalee District.