Spatial Analysis to Justify Urban Decisions in the Planning and Distribution of Green Spaces within the Urban Range of Cities (Case Study of the City of Samawah - Republic of Iraq)

Abstract

Green spaces represent an important type of urban land use within the urban fabric of the city, and it is of clear importance, like all other patterns. It is an important goal to bring the urban population closer to nature and to provide a suitable external environment for them by creating balance and harmony with nature. Green spaces represent a healthy outlet for humans, increasing their physical and psychological capabilities and are a haven for them to relax and spend their free time. The green areas in the city of Samawah and other cities in Iraq suffer from a clear shortage, as they do not meet the needs of the population in them, in addition to the fact that these areas are fragmented within the city and are not interconnected and do not work as a unified system. Therefore, it is neglected, which leads to the deterioration of the city’s environment and increased air pollution. With population growth and urbanization in the city, there is a negative impact on the natural ecosystem. Therefore, the researchers analyzed the spatial distribution of green areas in the city of Samawah, where the analysis dealt with the percentages of green areas implemented over the years from 2010 - 2020 to determine the amount of dispersal of the assembly using a set of tools for spatial analysis in spatial information systems (GIS). The research field ends with a proposal to identify new green areas in the city. The new green areas will be linked with the existing green areas in the city of Samawa, which will lead to an increase in the open green areas, increase their accessibility and increase social cohesion. In addition, this interconnection will contribute to improving the city’s environment by reducing air pollution and lowering high temperatures during the long summer season. This approach can also achieve other economic benefits when planning an interconnected network of green areas in the city of Samawa.