First application of automated land evaluation in iran

A computerized land evaluation was employed for a speedy land evaluation to locate a new industrial-urban development site in Iran under a multiple-land-use setting. A special-purpose programming language of modeling was generated to facilitate computer application. In doing so, some types of models were initially tested. Finally, an optimization model was decided on for this purpose, because it provided the best result. Four optimization models using linear programming were developed for evaluating the study area (south of Isfahan) involving agriculture, soil conservation, outdoor recreation, and industrial-urban development. Then, the models were combined to produce a multiple-use optimization model (MOM) for land-use classification and planning of the area. In applying the MOM model, a computerized map was produced to indicate the optimum capability of the area for industrial-urban development, agriculture, soil conservation, and outdoor recreation. The employed methodology provided a quick and meaningful result for the study area, which has a low biological productivity.