Analyzing spatial vulnerability in cities by combining the analytic hierarchy process and geographic information systems: the case of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Abstract

Vulnerability in urban areas has been on the rise following the global political and economic restructuring processes that have taken place since the 1980s. This increase in vulnerability has sparked a growing awareness of the need to understand the impact of these processes on the most vulnerable neighborhoods and areas of cities so as to develop effective policy responses. Although this vulnerability has become more evident in larger cities, this casuistry can also be seen in medium-sized cities. This paper examines the level of vulnerability of different neighborhoods in the medium-sized European city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Spain), using a methodological approach which combines the analytic hierarchy process and geographic information systems, based on a number of indicators for different economic, demographic and migratory status-related dimensions. The results reveal a synthetic map of the vulnerability of neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz that shows an uneven impact of structural processes and policy initiatives implemented over decades. The paper concludes that synthetic maps of vulnerability make it possible to show the different realities in the urban framework and can contribute to defining public interventions tailored to these specific problems.