Land evaluation suitability for settlement based on soil permeability, topography and geology ten years after tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

AbstractYears after the tragedy of the tsunami in Banda Aceh researchers are still saddled with the problem of water permeability, slope and geology suitability for settlements. Social and ecological vulnerability to disasters and outcomes of Oceanic earthquakes causing tsunamis remain an indelible phobia to potential residents at the western coast of Sumatra upto the northern part of Indonesia. Ten years after the disaster, this study evaluates the topography of the area to determine the level of suitability of the area for human habitat. This article examines the concept of land suitability evaluation and its potential as a tool of determining appropriateness of a settlement. The focus of the study centered on the application of geographic information systems GIS in handling spatial data permeability, slope and geology of the land in accordance with the FAO land suitability standard. To ensure that the application works, it requires geospatial analysis compiled based on the permeability, slope and geology that can be observed and measured for the residential requirements. Results showed that almost all the cities within Banda Aceh are suitable for residency (Ordos)