Citation:
Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to establish a perspective orientation of urban growth in an arid region (Biskra and its neighboring oases) in south east Algeria by mobilizing the capacities of attractiveness. Taking into account climatic parameters (wind speed and temperatures) and physical parameters (land cover, slopes, and distance from roads), our approach is based on remote sensing techniques of satellite data classification and Geographic Information Systems for spatial analysis. By means of a multi-criteria analysis a decision support map of sites suitable for future urban dynamics was carried out. The results obtained show that 48% (or 71,782.25 ha) of the study area is located on land with very low sensitivity to urbanization. 9.45% at high sensitivity, 29.13% at medium sensitivity, while 13.41% at low sensitivity. The medium sensitivity zone occupies a considerable area estimated at 29.13% (a total of 43,577.58 ha). Spatially, this is reflected in uncontrolled urban sprawl to the detriment of oases and agricultural land, or land not suited to the requirements of climatic comfort in arid regions. This urbanization sensitivity map forms the basis of the prospective design of an urban model adapted and appropriate to the conditions of the oasis ecosystem through the integration of other climatic parameters.