Published January 1, 2015 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Astronomical site selection for Turkey using GIS techniques

Creators

  • 1. Orta Dogu Tekn Univ, Dept Phys, Ankara, Turkey
  • 2. Cukurova Univ, Vocat Sch Tech Sci, Adana, Turkey
  • 3. Turkish State Meteorol Serv, Remote Sensing Div, Ankara, Turkey
  • 4. Cukurova Univ, Dept Phys, Adana, Turkey
  • 5. Istanbul Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Astron & Space Sci, Istanbul, Turkey
  • 6. Akdeniz Univ, Fac Sci, Space Sci & Technol Dept, TR-07058 Antalya, Turkey
  • 7. Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, Sci & Letter Fac, Space Sci & Technol Dept, Canakkale, Turkey
  • 8. Ege Univ, Fac Sci, Astron & Space Sci Dept, Izmir, Turkey
  • 9. Erciyes Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Astron & Space Sci, Kayseri, Turkey
  • 10. Inonu Univ, Sci & Letter Fac, Dept Phys, Malatya, Turkey
  • 11. TUBITAK Natl Observ, Antalya, Turkey
  • 12. Ankara Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Astron & Space Sci, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey

Description

A site selection of potential observatory locations in Turkey have been carried out by using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) coupled with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery which in turn reduced cost and time and increased the accuracy of the final outcome. The layers of cloud cover, digital elevation model, artificial lights, precipitable water vapor, aerosol optical thickness and wind speed were studied in the GIS system. In conclusion of MCDA, the most suitable regions were found to be located in a strip crossing from southwest to northeast including also a diverted region in southeast of Turkey. These regions are thus our prime candidate locations for future on-site testing. In addition to this major outcome, this study has also been applied to locations of major observatories sites. Since no goal is set for the best, the results of this study is limited with a list of positions. Therefore, the list has to be further confirmed with on-site tests. A national funding has been awarded to produce a prototype of an on-site test unit (to measure both astronomical and meteorological parameters) which might be used in this list of locations.

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