(Introduction):

Urban growth in coastal areas of Latin America puts the population at risk and contributes to climate change.

(Objective):

The investigation objective is to generate a methodology to identify territory aptitude for future urban development in coastal municipalities,

considering mitigation measures and adaptation to climate change, physiographic and political-administrative aspects.

(Methodology):

This study presents the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and the technique of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for the selection of suitable areas for urban development in Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico.

(Results):

Thematic maps of average vegetation index, potential groundwater recharge, land tenure, flood hazard, actually urban areas and water bodies were created; later they were integrated into a MCDA to provide urban areas suitable for the future. The results identified 367 km2 suitable for urban development with less impact on the ecosystem and at the same time are not a risk to the population; Likewise, intermediate and unsuitable areas were identified that represent a danger to the population and the ecosystem.

(Conclusions):

This work makes it possible to plan the territory as a mitigation and adaptation measure to climate change with the MCDA through GIS, in an area that has been distinguished by being affected by hydrometeorological phenomena and a population in adverse socioeconomic conditions.