Land-use suitability modelling as an input for spatial planning in Tlokwe local municipality, North-West province, South Africa

Abstract

In recent years, issues related to the state of the natural environment have begun to play an increasingly more important role in the global arena of politics and civil society. It is crucial that these issues be integrated into planning processes and development frameworks in such a way that the protection of the natural environment and the promotion of sustainable development goals can be achieved. This article explores the use of a GIS-based spatial modelling method in achieving the above. The success of such an approach could ensure the effective incorporation of environmental data into spatial planning, and more specifically Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), which is not always the case in South Africa. The study found that such an approach could be used with great success and could assist planners and policymakers in the challenge of steering land-use management in a sustainable manner. The study showed that a pro-active, interdisciplinary approach to land-use management is possible on a strategic level in South African municipalities.