DBDM: Dominance Based Decision Making and GIS Integrated Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment of Elaziğ/Türkiye

Assessing earthquake vulnerability is important for comprehending the potential consequences of seismic events on human life and property. In Türkiye, where earthquakes pose a significant threat, earthquake hazard analysis is especially critical. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods play a crucial role in earthquake vulnerability assessments by providing a structured and transparent approach to decision-making, considering several criteria such as building conditions, population density, accessibility, and more. The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with MCDM methods provides a powerful approach to earthquake vulnerability assessment. GIS enables the management of geographic data and facilitates the rank of alternatives. In this study, a novel MCDM method called Dominance Based Decision Making (DBDM) was introduced and the DBDM method was applied to rank renewable energy sources. Besides, we focused on assessing earthquake vulnerability in Elaziğ, Türkiye with DBDM. The research evaluates the earthquake vulnerability of Elaziğ’s districts and its’ central district neighborhoods (NH) by considering building conditions and GIS-based risk and hazard factors with DBDM. This research offers a systematic and structured approach to earthquake vulnerability assessment, providing valuable insights for disaster preparedness and risk mitigation strategies. The integration of MCDM methods with GIS enhances decision-making processes and contributes to better-informed choices in the face of seismic risks. The study’s results reveal that Sivrice is the most earthquake vulnerable district and Sali Baba, Esentepe, Fevzi Çakmak, Olgunlar, and Aksaray are among the NHs most vulnerable to earthquakes in the Central District of Elaziğ.