Geospatial Modelling System for Planning & Development (GSMSPD), Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Find out about our strategic and major research projects

Project Summary

The Geospatial Modelling System for Planning & Development (GSMSPD) project is a transformative initiative aimed at advancing regional and local planning in Saudi Arabia by leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technologies. The project is being developed in collaboration with King Saud University, the King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies, and the Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration (CSDILA). Together, these partners are delivering a comprehensive geospatial system to support data-driven decision-making, enabling more effective urban and regional planning.

This report presents the findings of the data collection, validation, and correction efforts conducted for the GSMSPD project, with a particular focus on population and social datasets in the Aseer region. A total of 35 datasets/files have been gathered, scrutinized, and refined to ensure accuracy, completeness, and relevance. These datasets collectively provide a robust foundation for understanding demographic trends, community well-being, social services availability, educational access, healthcare provision, and economic conditions across urban, peri-urban, and rural contexts. Through rigorous validation and correction processes, the data has been standardized and harmonized, enabling more reliable geospatial modeling and evidence-based policy formulation. The key insights derived from these datasets shed light on population distribution, highlight areas needing infrastructure upgrades, and underscore gaps in critical social services, including health clinics, schools, and job training centres. By providing granular, location-based details, the GSMSPD project equips policymakers, planners, and stakeholders with the tools to prioritize investments, develop targeted interventions, and foster sustainable growth. Ultimately, the integrated, high-quality population and social data compiled in this report will guide strategic decision-making, ensuring that future planning and development efforts in the Aseer region are both data-driven and responsive to community needs.