title: Application of geographical information system in disposal site selection for hazardous wastes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to provide a scientific method based on Geographical Information System (GIS) regarding all sustainable development measures to locate a proper landfill for disposal of hazardous wastes, especially industrial (radioactive) wastes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven effective factors for determining hazardous waste landfill were applied in Qom Province, central Iran. These criteria included water, slope, population centers, roads, fault, protected areas and geology. The Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) model based on pair comparison was used. First, the weight of each factor was determined by experts; afterwards each layer of maps entered to ARC GIS and with special weight multiplied together, finally the best suitable site was introduced.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most suitable sites for burial were in northwest and west of Qom Province and eventually five zones were introduced as the sample sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GIs and AHP model is introduced as the technical, useful and accelerator tool for disposal site selection. Furthermore it is determined that geological factor is the most effective layer for site selection. It is suggested that geological conditions should be considered primarily then other factors are taken into consideration.
authors.affiliation: Department of GIS & RS, School of Environment and Energy , Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rezaeimahmoudi
authors.affiliation: Plasma and Nuclear Fusion Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Abdolreza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Esmaeli
authors.affiliation: Department of GIS & RS, School of Environment and Energy , Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gharegozlu
authors.affiliation: Department of GIS & RS, School of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shabanian
authors.affiliation: Department of Tourism Planning, School of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Ladan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rokni
keywords: AHP; Disposal site selection; Geographical information system (GIS); Hazardous waste; Iran; Locating criteria