GIS-based simulation for deep-water port site selection using analytic hierarchy process: a case study from Southern East of Vietnam

This research developed a model for choosing the location of deep-water port based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and geographic information system (GIS) by estimating natural factors on 21-km-long Thi Vai river, Nhon Trach district, Dong Nai province which has not been conducted in literature. Three considered criteria are topography with tidal level, land use, and coastline change. Moreover, the coastline change, which indicates areas of erosion, accretion, and stability, is determined using satellite images from 1995 to 2010 and ArcGIS software. The result highlights that coastline change is the most important criterion among the three criteria and simulated location has matched 80% with real location. Therefore, the developed model can be used for supporting planners, managers, policy makers, and local government to make decisions on suitable and effective planning strategies for port construction as well as can be applied anywhere around the world. � 2020, Societ� Italiana di Fotogrammetria e Topografia (SIFET).