Multiple-criteria analysis model to the location of dry ports in urban areas: a case study in Garuva City, Santa Catarina State

Abstract

This article studied the location of dry ports from the perspective of reducing impacts caused by seaport activities on the urban environment. The main objective was to construct a model based on multiplecriteria decision analysis coupled with the geographical information system for selecting areas subject to the location of dry ports. An important point was the definition of restriction and factor criteria for the preparation of this model. The distance from the seaport was defined as the most relevant criterion, followed by the road hierarchy network, population density, vegetation, and declivity, respectively. The predominant restrictive criteria were: permanent conservation areas and non-building zones. For the validation of the model presented, it was necessary to perform a case study on a city located near a seaport, and that has been legalized seaport activities in its legislation. The result showed that the areas nearest to the port, with less density of household units, and located near main roadways are the most feasible for location of dry ports. It was proven that the usage of multi-criteria analysis for selecting areas subject to the location of dry ports can be a manner for added support in the preparation of master plans for cities surrounded by seaport areas.