Spatial Analysis of the Quality of Life using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information System: Case Study AL- Karadah District, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, population growth and uneven development challenges in Baghdad city have a significant impact on the Quality of Life (QoL). QoL is a concept used to measure an individual’s well-being, encompassing both positive and negative aspects of life. Despite numerous attempts to analyze and create spatial variations maps of QoL through the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) at the city-level QoL, there are limited studies that have applied this integrated approach in Baghdad city. This study aims to conduct a spatial analysis and mapping of (QoL) variation in Al-Karadah district, one of the most important districts in Baghdad city, using GIS-AHP integration. Ten socio-infrastructural indicators were considered in this study; Then, the study area was reclassified into five zones based on the distribution of indicators using the reclassify tool. Finally, the Weighted Overlay function in ArcMap 10.8 was applied to combine the reclassified zones of the study area with the indicator weights. The output of the weighted overlay classified the study area into five zones of QoL. This study reveals that health centers were the most influential factor, while distance from roads was the least influential. It also shows there is spatial variation in quality of life due to the uneven distribution of important contributing factors. The results show that more than 50% percent of the study area was classified as very high and very high QoL due to the good coverage by the most important indicator. This study is valuable for urban planners and decision-makers, as it highlights underserved areas and provides guidance for selecting appropriate locations for future services to improve overall QoL in the district.