Implementing GIS
and Analytical Hierarchy Process for Cyclone Shelter Mapping of Vijayawada, Andra
Pradesh: A Weighted Overlay Approach
Krishna Reddy M., Bhavani B., Bhogayya Naidu G., Samarthi Praveen, Ravi Kumar Kallakunta
and Ravi Degala
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(7); 1-13;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/187da01013; (2025)
Abstract
Vijayawada, a rapidly expanding urban hub in Andhra Pradesh, has seen significant
population growth, rising from 2,104,000 in 2021 to 2,291,000 in 2024. This growth
has increased the city's vulnerability to cyclonic events, as evidenced by the severe
impacts of recent cyclones like Phethai (2018), Hudhud (2014) and Michaung (2023).
These events have caused widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage.
To bolster cyclone preparedness, this study utilizes a Geographic Information System
(GIS) integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine optimal
locations for Cyclone Shelters in Vijayawada. The analysis incorporates nine critical
parameters: elevation, slope, roughness, Hillshade, proximity to roads and rivers,
land use land cover, aspect and wind characteristics (speed and direction). Each
parameter was re-scaled into five suitability classes and weighted accordingly,
with distance from roads (15%), proximity to water bodies (14%) and elevation (13%)
receiving the highest weights. Additionally, a Windrose diagram was developed using
WRPLOT software, analyzing wind speed and direction data collected at 50-meter intervals
from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024. This wind pattern analysis, with speeds
classified into six classes and calms recorded at 1.52%, provided crucial insights
for Shelter placement. The site suitability assessment for cyclone shelters in Vijayawada
has been conducted, categorizing the land into five classes: not suitable, less
suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable.
The resulting suitability map is a critical resource for disaster management, aiming
at bolstering Vijayawada's resilience to future cyclones and safeguarding its rapidly
growing population. This study underscores the value of integrating GIS-based Analytic
Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques with wind pattern analysis to enhance disaster
preparedness and optimize shelter placement, ensuring a strategic and effective
response to potential cyclone threats.
