GIS-Driven Approach for Selecting Optimal University Locations

Shatha Hussein Al Rawashdeh, Shatha Aser Aldala’in (), Esra’a Alaeed, Zubeida Aladwan and Teh Sabariah Binti Abd Manan
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Shatha Hussein Al Rawashdeh: Department of Geography, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an P.O. Box 20, Jordan
Shatha Aser Aldala’in: Department of Civil Engineering, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an P.O. Box 20, Jordan
Esra’a Alaeed: Department of Basic Sciences and Informatics, Al-Karak University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Karak P.O. Box 19117, Jordan
Zubeida Aladwan: Department of Surveying Engineering, Al Al-Bayt University, Almafraq P.O. Box 25113, Jordan
Teh Sabariah Binti Abd Manan: Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-22

Abstract: The selection of a suitable site for a new university in southern Jordan involves a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and community service. This study applies a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based weighted overlay analysis, integrating multiple spatial criteria to identify optimal locations. Key factors include terrain characteristics, such as elevated or moderately sloped areas; proximity to main roads for accessibility; and distance from industrial zones, water bodies, and existing universities to minimize environmental and educational overlap. Additionally, proximity to populated areas, health facilities, and banking services is prioritized to enhance convenience and support for the university community. The criteria were assigned different weights, with population and residential areas receiving the highest priority (30%), followed by terrain, roads, and existing institutions (14% each). The results showed that around 8% of the study area was classified as highly suitable, 22% as moderately suitable, and 70% as unsuitable. The top three locations achieved suitability scores exceeding 85%, being situated near major roads, within 2 km of populated areas, and in terrain with slopes under 15%. The GIS-based model offers a replicable framework for similar projects, facilitating data-driven decision-making in higher education planning.

Keywords: model builder; GIS; weighted overlay; university site selection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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