Geospatial Analysis and Mapping of Natural Disasters in Situbondo, Indonesia: A Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) Approach *

This study presents a Geographic Information System (GIS) based system utilizing the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method for mapping natural disasters in Situbondo, Indonesia. Within the Ring of Fire along the Pacific tectonic plate boundary, Indonesia is highly prone to various natural disasters, including tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and earthquakes. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive disaster mapping and limited availability of online information through the official website of the Situbondo District Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). The proposed system accurately maps the distribution of natural disaster occurrences by analyzing multiple criteria such as topography, proximity to water bodies, population density, land cover, and infrastructure. The system achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 91,8 % by comparing its results with expert evaluations. By leveraging the SAW method, decision-makers can prioritize resources and allocate them to high-risk areas, improving disaster preparedness, response planning, and mitigation strategies. This GIS-based system offers a powerful tool for Situbondo District and BPBD to make informed decisions and proactively manage natural disasters. By enhancing the availability of accurate and up-to- date information, this system supports better coordination and allocation of resources during emergencies, contributing to the overall resilience of Situbondo District and its ability to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.