The effects of the spatial transformation and the dynamics of transportation systems of the city and its surroundings. A case study of Latakia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Syrian coastal city, Latakia, is suffering from an urban sprawl towards the surrounding settlements. This research aims to investigate the spatial transformations and the role of transportation systems in the expansion of Latakia and its surroundings. The study was done by carrying out a statistical visualization of the changes in the number of transportation modes, the size of the population, and the spatial extent of the city expansion. Additionally, accessibility of the public transportation networks was measured using the ArcGIS network analyst tool. The research found that the transportation systems had been a major contributor to the transformations of the borders of Latakia. In addition to seeing an increased population and significant waves of migration to the city and its surroundings, Latakia city witnesses massive urbanization of its neighboring areas, since they have a high level of accessibility from the city. The local authorities are not able to control this massive urbanization. Therefore, these areas around the current administrative borders of Latakia are expected to be merged with the city as a result of further expansion. Comprehensive urban and transportation planning procedures could be put in place in these settlements to control the expansion of the city.