Optimal analysis and evaluation of multi-storey parking lot location by integrating modern multi-criteria decision-making methods in the GIS platform: (Case study: District 5 of Urmia city)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Urban Planing. Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Arts. Urmia University. Urmia. Iran

2 Department of Urban Management, Faculty of Architecture , Urban Planning and Arts, Urmia University , Urmia, Iran

10.22034/gp.2026.68289.3436

Abstract

Objective: The rapid growth of population and private vehicle ownership in Urmia, combined with the concentration of commercial activities, has caused severe challenges including parking shortages, traffic congestion, air pollution, and citizen dissatisfaction. This study aims to identify optimal locations for multi-story parking facilities in District 5 of Urmia city using an advanced multi-criteria decision-making framework.

Methods: Spatial and functional data, including existing parking facilities, trip-attracting land uses, land prices, vacant lands, slope, traffic nodes, road networks, and hourly vehicle entries, were collected from official sources and field surveys. The data layers were prepared and processed in a GIS environment. A hybrid Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (Fuzzy ANP)–MultiMOORA approach was then applied to calculate criteria weights and rank alternative locations. Data analysis involved simulating interactions among criteria, ranking options, and determining the most suitable sites for parking development.

Results: The findings indicated that the “distance from trip-attracting centers” criterion, with a weight of 0.3245, was the most influential factor. Four final options located on Hassani and Varzesh streets were identified as the best locations. The proposed model demonstrated higher accuracy and efficiency in spatial analysis compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions: The integrated Fuzzy ANP–MultiMOORA framework provides a reliable and replicable approach for spatial decision-making in urban parking planning. It can support traffic demand management and guide infrastructure development in other high-traffic areas of Urmia. Urban managers are recommended to prioritize parking facility expansion using this framework.

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Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 January 2026

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