Step 1: Suitable Slope

To construct our model, we need to create three data layers: each indicating land that satisfies each of our settlement criteria. To find the first, land which slopes at a gradient of less than 10%, we first use our GIS to create a model of slope for the entire study area. We then simplify the image by reclassifying all land to either a value of 1 (if it is less than 10%) or 0 (if it is steeper). Thus, the areas with a value of 1 (shown in blue in this image) represent areas that satisfy the first of our criteria.

Click Continue to go on to the next step,