Determination of the most suitable sites for Shopping Centers in geographical regions with GIS

Being a part of social life, Shopping Centers become more popular and they represent the environments where consumption comes into prominence. However, in the recent years, Shopping Centers are seen as places combining consumption activities and time killing activities. Since number of Shopping Centers is at peak in big cities, attempts are made to open Shopping Centers in places other than big cities in accordance with population density, economic and social data. However, it is observed that geographical location and neighborhood relations are not taken into consideration in location surveys in cities other than major cities. Yet, such variables have major role at decision making stage. In this study a model based on geographical information system (GIS) was created and decision making process was analysed with the purpose of location survey of Shopping Centers to be opened across the geographical regions by taking population density, economic and social data, quality of life, geographical and spatial data. In analysis, ESRI software, ArcGIS software pack, ArcCatalog, ArcMap, ArcToolbox tool boxes and software required for topology development, data conversion and geographical (spatial) analysis.