Geography and Urban Research

Abstract Water has always been an undeniable necessity for social and economic development and the survival of vital ecosystems on Earth. The limitation of water resources and varying precipitation patterns indicate that existing surface and groundwater resources must be well identified and studied, and proper utilization should be carried out through precise planning. Water is one of the most important factors affecting any type of density. Therefore, in this research, District Four of Tabriz metropolitan area, as one of the most populous urban areas of Tabriz, was examined to estimate the carrying capacity of water resources. The present study is descriptive-analytical based on a case study. Research data were collected through documentary methods and referencing relevant institutions, including the municipality and the regional water and wastewater company. After integrating and consolidating the obtained information and preparing information layers in the GIS software, relevant maps were prepared. Based on the obtained information, it was revealed that the minimum and maximum population capacity of District 4 of Tabriz, based on the water index and the limiting factor of wastewater production and treatment, equals 172,800and 227,368 people, respectively. Given the population size of the area and a maximum allowable density of 95 persons, it can accommodate a gross density of 229 persons and a net residential density of 195 persons per hectare. However, based on the obtained results, the net residential density of District 4 is 329 persons per hectare, which exceeds the permissible threshold and falls within the critical-pressure range.

Abstract This study investigates industrial land-use planning in Sistan and Baluchistan province, focusing on enhancing defense capabilities. Land-use planning is vital for spatial organization and optimal resource utilization, contributing significantly to sustainable development. The research aims to evaluate the distribution and dispersion of industries in the province, considering defense-related criteria, regional advantages, and environmental factors. It addresses the strategic importance of industrial placement to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and defense considerations. The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach, collecting data from library resources, including the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Statistical Center of Iran, and research working groups. The TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method was used to rank industries based on ten defense-related criteria, such as water consumption, export competitiveness, and environmental risks. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and Excel, with spatial distribution maps illustrating industrial patterns. Findings reveal that small and medium-sized industries are concentrated in cities like Zahedan, Zabol, Saravan, and Chabahar, while three counties lack active industrial units. Food, non-metallic mineral, and chemical industries dominate, comprising over 70% of units. The criterion of low water consumption significantly impacts industrial security. The uneven industrial distribution indicates a misalignment with land-use planning principles, potentially leading to social insecurities. The study underscores the need for balanced industrial planning to enhance regional security and sustainable development.

Abstract This study evaluates the economic, cultural, and social impacts of the Shahrdari Square regeneration project in Rasht, from the perspective of business owners in the pedestrian zone, as a key municipal initiative to revitalize deteriorated urban areas and enhance quality of life.
Data were collected via 300 Likert-scale questionnaires distributed to business owners and analyzed using SPSS, including one-sample t-tests, binomial tests, and exploratory factor analysis.
Economic benefits scored highly (mean: 3.58), especially in tourist attraction (mean: 4.25), business growth, customer influx, and property value increases. Cultural-social benefits also rated high (mean: 3.44). However, municipal performance (mean: 2.44) and business damage compensation (mean: 1.46) were low, with challenges in owner participation, implementation management, and heritage preservation. Low standard deviations indicate consensus on managerial shortcomings.
The project succeeded in economic revitalization but requires improved owner involvement, financial compensation, heritage preservation, and area recognition for greater satisfaction and sustainability in future initiatives.

Abstract The main objective of this research was to identify the components of the feasibility of the city with the approach of assessing the capacity of the NGO against crises (case study: Miyaneh County). The spatial scope of this research was Miyaneh County. The research method of the article is applied and in terms of the research method, the data collection is in the form of a survey and the Delphi technique was used to collect data. The statistical population of this research are experts (heads, managers of the organization and public charities) of the NGO. Using SPSS 26 software and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, the reliability of the questions was adjusted. The results of the Delphi analysis showed that these factors are categorized into three components: macro-structural 48%, intermediate 30% and micro-22%. The effective component in determining the feasibility components of the city with the approach of measuring the capacity of NGOs against crises (case study: Miyaneh County) with 3 components are introduced separately: macro (structural) components with 4 indicators, intermediate with 4 indicators, micro components with 4 indicators. The effective factors were then examined using a single-sample t-test, and finally the prioritization of the feasibility indicators of the responsive city in the Iranian city with the approach of measuring the capacity of NGOs against crises was ranked using the Friedman test; the first priority is responsibility, internal and external coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.

Abstract Smart growth is a response to uncontrolled and scattered growth. Accordingly, smart growth seeks to determine which is the best place for development and in which physical form it should be carried out. A proper understanding and recognition of the expansion of the city in the current and future conditions is essential for implementing efficient management in the field of urban environmental protection. The purpose of the present study is to examine the spatial indicators of smart urban growth in the metropolis of Ahvaz. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the data analysis was carried out using the Dimatel technique. The results of the study show that among the effective indicators in smart urban growth of the metropolis of Ahvaz, the number of public parks index has the greatest impact and the share and per capita index of green space has the least direct impact on other indicators. Also, in terms of the indirect effects of the indicators, the per capita green space index has the greatest impact and the share and per capita index of open, barren, and agricultural spaces has the least impact. It can be said that among the four effective indicators in the smart growth of the Ahvaz metropolis, the highest interaction belongs to the index of the number of public parks and the lowest interaction belongs to the index of the share and per capita of open, barren and agricultural spaces. Also, the most effective factor among these four indicators is related to the index of the share and per capita of open, barren and agricultural spaces, and the most influential factor is the index of the number of public parks.

Abstract This study examines the challenges arising from insufficient coordination among the municipality, the city council, and other relevant institutions, including governmental agencies, which have led to delays in the implementation of urban development plans. Conflicts of interest among institutions and weaknesses in executive decision-making have further exacerbated these challenges. In addition, legal and regulatory issues—such as complexities related to land acquisition, lack of transparency in urban development regulations, and the frequent amendment of such laws—constitute other significant barriers to urban development. The objective of this research is to evaluate building density criteria within urban development plans, with an emphasis on development capacities and the balance between socio-economic components in District 9 of Mashhad. Sustainable and balanced urban development, as one of the key challenges of urban management in metropolitan areas, requires policy frameworks that simultaneously address economic and social needs. Accordingly, this study employs a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with urban experts, local managers, and residents, and were subsequently coded systematically. Key concepts and core categories were extracted and analyzed. The findings indicate that criteria such as the equitable distribution of building density, access to urban infrastructure, social equity, and economic efficiency are among the key factors influencing sustainable development in District 9 of Mashhad. Moreover, imbalances between social and economic components can lead to increased inequalities, reduced quality of life, and the intensification of environmental problems. These findings underscore the necessity of formulating comprehensive and integrated urban development policies capable of achieving a balanced alignment among social, economic, and environmental dimensions.