Contribution of PITDD to the Design and Implementation of Cartographic Products Useful for Territorial Development Planning Process - Case of the Northwest Department

This comprehensive territorial analysis of Haiti's Northwest Department was conducted as part of the Territorial Information Program for Sustainable Development (PITDD). The study aims to support the Direction of Territorial Development and Local/Regional Development (DATDLR) of the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (MPCE) in utilizing geomatics tools for territorial analysis and management.

The Northwest Department, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Wind Channel, is subdivided into 3 districts, 10 communes, 39 communal sections, 395 habitations, and 813 localities. The analysis reveals significant challenges in understanding the territory using traditional administrative divisions, as many population groupings are separated by natural features or span multiple administrative boundaries.

The methodology involves creating coherent geographical entities called Spatial Development Units (USD) based on population distribution, topographic obstacles, and service accessibility rather than administrative boundaries. The analysis covers physical environment and topographic units, land use characterization and evolution, human settlement and population distribution, and territorial structure of cities, activities and equipment.

The study identifies 11 distinct topographic units and analyzes land use changes between 1978 and 1998, showing evolution in agricultural areas, forest coverage, and urban development. Population analysis reveals Port-de-Paix as the dominant urban center with 148,537 inhabitants, followed by Jean-Rabel with 24,747 residents, establishing a clear urban hierarchy for development planning.