Optimal Location of Rescue Centers Using GIS and Multi-criteria Decision Making Methods (Case Study: Urmia City)

INTRODUCTION: Pre-crisis planning is one of the important issues facing managers and planners, especially in the field of crisis management. In recent years, the world has faced an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes. Moreover, the growing effect of disasters on communities has highlighted the need for efficient and effective emergency logistics operations in this field, and some criteria are provided for decision-making and prioritization of relief centers in crisis situations. METHODS: In the current research, Analytic Network Process (ANP) and PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enriching Evaluations) methods were used for analysis and ranking, and construction cost and usage time indicators were considered for the first time. Criteria were also defined and evaluated as layers according to global standards and crisis management criteria in the region. In addition, geographic information systems and expertschr('39') opinions were used to evaluate the indicators. FINDINGS: Due to the higher weight value, safety (0.36), usage time (0.24), as well as concentration and coverage level (0.22) received priority for the selection of the most optimal relief sites in crisis situations. Therefore, centers, such as Amini Stadium and Golestan Park, which had a lower performance status in terms of the mentioned indicators, compared to other options, were placed in a lower rank in the final ranking, in comparison with other centers. CONCLUSION: The indicators identified in order of importance were security, time of use, concentration and coverage level, and compatible access. In the end, Takhti Stadium, Saat Park, and Rajaei Stadium received priority for the establishment of relief centers in terms of performance and the weight value of the mentioned indicators in time of crisis.