**5. Methodology**

**Figure 3.** Input data set (criteria or factors) used in the urban sprawl suitability of Van City.

Elevation data were obtained from ASTER Global DEM data set in 30 m spatial resolution. Slope and hillshade images were produced from DEM data in GIS interface. Additionally, DEM data were used as ancillary data in LUC classification stage to detect the LUC change based on elevation. Also, such data sets may be improved for the accuracy of the LUC classi‐

The LUA of Turkey was mapped by Soil Survey Staff of Turkey. This map shows capable lands and capability degrees in eight categories (1 refers to very capable and 8 refers to not capable) based on slope, soil depth, soil type, geological type, etc. Highly available lands can

**4.2. DEM data**

212 Sustainable Urbanization

fication [2].

**4.3. LUA data**

The study was performed in two substages: (i) LUC classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment and (ii) MCE process in GIS environment (**Figure 4**).

**Figure 4.** Summary of the methodology.
