Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe the hydro-geomorphological and natural factors of the Firoozabad watershed, located in Ardabil Province, using modern GIS technologies and cloud-based processing via Google Earth Engine (GEE).
Methodology: To achieve the study objectives, geomorphic and environmental factors—such as vegetation cover and land use—were extracted from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and the GLC-FCS30D database within the GEE environment, which enabled fast and accurate processing of large-scale datasets. Elevation data with a spatial resolution of 12.5 meters were obtained from the ALOS PALSAR Digital Elevation Model, and geological and soil type data were provided by the Geological Survey of Iran. Data analysis was carried out using GIS software and GEE, leading to the creation of various maps to identify spatial patterns and interrelations between factors.
Results and Findings: The NDVI values ranged from -0.26 to 0.67, indicating that the densest vegetation cover is found in the northeastern and eastern parts of the watershed, while the western, southwestern, and certain central areas show a noticeable reduction. The average slope of the basin is approximately 20%, with a standard deviation of 13.63%. Areas with slopes exceeding 40% are prone to severe erosion and rapid surface runoff. Annual precipitation varies between 531 and 837 mm, and its uneven distribution influences both vegetation patterns and hydrological processes. The geological structure, featuring erosion-prone formations like marls and shales alongside permeable alluvial layers, significantly affects the watershed's hydrological and morphological dynamics. The mean elevation is 1,895 meters, with an elevation range from 1,118 to 3,225 meters. Land use is predominantly composed of rangelands (54%) and agricultural lands (44%), where poor management could threaten natural resources. These findings can provide a scientific and practical foundation for watershed management planning focused on conserving soil and water resources and reducing the risks of erosion, floods, and landslides.

Abstract Background and Objective: The natural flow regime of the river is a very important factor in determining the functions of aquatic ecosystems and their surroundings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hydrogeomorphological conditions of the Qorichai River in Ardabil Province using the MQI method.
Methodology: In order to achieve this goal, the Geomorphological Quality Index (MQI) method has been used. First, the river network is divided into homogeneous intervals (6 intervals). Then, related morphological indices such as bank stability, channel pattern, cross-section changes, sedimentation potential, and adaptation to the surrounding environment are calculated.
Results and findings: The results showed that the value of the geomorphological quality index in the studied intervals is between 0.77 and 0.27, among which the maximum coefficient is in interval 2 with a score of 0.77 in the good category, which indicates the greater dynamics of this interval compared to other intervals, and the minimum score is in interval 3 with a value of 0.27, which is in the very poor category. Therefore, it was concluded that the Qorichai River is in a poor condition from intervals 3 to 6 and does not have favorable conditions, but on the contrary, it has appropriate dynamics in intervals 1 and 2. Finally, it is suggested that practical measures be taken to protect the river in intervals with unfavorable quality.

Abstract Background and Objective: Geotourism is a type of tourism that studies the natural environment, shapes and landforms because of their attractiveness. Today, tourism is rapidly becoming one of the main pillars of economic, social, cultural and political development. Given this role and position, the existence of tourism in a place can not only be effective in the development of that place but also affect the development process of some indicators in its surrounding environment. The purpose of this research is to investigate and evaluate the tourist attractions of Darmin County (the land of historical castles) and find solutions to attract tourists and develop geotourism in the region. For this purpose, 8 geosites and tourist attractions (Abgarm Village due to its hot spring and the tomb of Sultan Ebrahim Reza, Lakhdarideh, Dushangan Tree, Mulla Emad Sand Hill, Hindalan Mosque, Tabas Asbad, Forg Castle and Torsh-Ab) were investigated.
Methodology: The present study is applied and descriptive-survey type in which the data collection method was documentary and survey using questionnaires of tourists and residents of the region. Also, the M-GAM model was used to analyze the data using SPSS.26, ARC GIS and Excel software.
Results and findings: The results showed that Darman County, despite its abundant and pristine tourist attractions, lacks suitable facilities to attract tourists; however, Qale Forg has the highest score in most of the indicators studied. Tourism values have the highest score with 0.875 and scientific-educational values have the lowest score with 0.396.

Abstract Background and Objective: Location selection is one of the strategic elements in the development of a country's defense infrastructure, requiring precise analysis of environmental, climatic, and human factors using modern spatial approaches. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the role of climatic and geomorphological factors affecting the site selection of military garrisons in Moghan Plain, located in Ardabil Province, by utilizing remote sensing and GIS capabilities.
Methodology: To fulfill the research objective, 14 relevant criteria were selected, including precipitation, temperature, actual evapotranspiration, elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation cover, land use, distance from rivers, faults, roads, cities, villages, and geology. The required spatial layers were derived from remote sensing data sources such as Sentinel-2 imagery, the 12.5-meter ALOS PALSAR Digital Elevation Model, and global climate datasets including TerraClimate, and were processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) environment. Subsequently, training sample points representing suitable and unsuitable locations were defined, and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm was trained and applied to produce the final suitability zoning map.
Results and Findings: The variable importance analysis indicated that proximity to cities and villages, slope, vegetation cover, and distance from geological faults were the most influential factors in military base site selection within the study area. The final suitability map classified the region into five categories: very suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, unsuitable, and very unsuitable. Notably, portions of the northern and eastern sections of the Moghan Plain were identified as very suitable zones. This study demonstrates that the integration of machine learning algorithms with remote sensing data offers a robust and efficient approach for spatial analysis and supports strategic decision-making in the defense and military planning sectors.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can support the optimization of military base site selection by integrating strategic, environmental, and security-related criteria. Such an approach has the potential to enhance military operational efficiency, strengthen crisis management capabilities, reduce infrastructure development costs, and minimize vulnerability to natural hazards.

Abstract Background and Objective: One of the important issues in the field of tourism is recognizing the potentials, ranking the infrastructures and tourist attractions in different areas of a city and the balanced distribution of these infrastructures and facilities. Bostan Abad city with its many natural, historical and cultural attractions can attract many tourists every year. The purpose of this article is to prioritize the tourist attractions of Bostan Abad city.
Methodology: This research was developed using a descriptive-analytical and survey method, and the F-TOPSIS model was used to analyze the data. The statistical population of this research is the number of 30 people who are active in the tourism sector, and the required information was collected using the questionnaire tool. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire to the extent of 85%.
Results and findings: The results of fuzzy TOPSIS model, the touristic places of Bostan Abad city can be prioritized in the following order for tourists to visit. According to the results of the TOPSIS fuzzy model, the tourist places of Bostan Abad city, Bostan Abad mineral spa, ranked first with a score of 530, Qorigol Lake ranked second with a score of (0.528), Agh Bulaq cave, and ranked third with a score of (0.478). Master Shahriar's father's house with a score of (0.465) ranks fourth and Shahiordi valley, Sahand ski resort, historical town of Ojan, Khaste Qasim grave, Janbahan mosque and the dam and caravansera of Al-Khalaj village respectively with a score of (0.460), (0.460), (0.435), (0.415), (0.370) and (0.361) are ranked fifth to tenth.

Abstract Background and Objective: Multi-criteria decision-making methods combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enable the simultaneous evaluation of various environmental, infrastructural, and security criteria, assisting in the optimal selection of locations for the establishment of military bases. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to locate military bases in Meshginshahr County using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model and GIS.
Methodology:To achieve the research objective, a survey method was first employed by designing a questionnaire to collect expert opinions on the factors influencing the siting of military bases in the study area. In the next step, necessary data layers were digitized based on existing maps, and a database was created in the ArcGIS environment. Data weighting was carried out using the ANP method. Finally, the zoning map of the study area was prepared by integrating and overlaying the selected layers.
Findings and Results: The results indicated that 15.67% of the county's area falls within the "highly suitable" class and 17.97% within the "suitable" class, mainly located in the central and eastern parts of the county. In contrast, 25.55% is categorized as "unsuitable" and 21.48% as "highly unsuitable," primarily found in the mountainous and steep western and southern regions.This study demonstrated that integrating multi-criteria decision-making models with GIS spatial analysis can significantly assist in optimizing the site selection of military bases while minimizing environmental and security conflicts.

Abstract Background and Objective: Floods are one of the natural phenomena that can cause significant damage to infrastructure, farmlands, and the environment. This phenomenon primarily occurs due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to map flood hazard zones and examine their relationship with land use using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model in the Razi Chay watershed in Ardabil Province.
Methodology: In this study, data from Landsat 8 satellite imagery from 2022, a 30-meter ASTER DEM map, a 1:50,000 scale topographic map, a 1:250,000 scale geological map, and other detailed information of the studied watershed were utilized. Ten parameters influencing flood occurrence were analyzed, including elevation, slope, slope aspect, vegetation cover, geological formations, distance from the river, flow direction, land use, precipitation, and drainage density. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) model was employed to determine the importance of each variable.
Findings and Conclusion: Among the studied parameters, slope (with a weight of 30%), elevation (with a weight of 21%), and land use (with a weight of 17%) were assigned the highest weights, indicating their significant influence in controlling flood occurrence in the Razi Chay watershed. The results show that approximately 36% of the Razi Chay watershed falls within high-risk and very high-risk zones. These areas are typically located in the lower part of the watershed, often at the confluence of the two main streams. Considering the spatial distribution of settlements in the region, it can be concluded that most of the settlements in the lower part of the watershed are exposed to flood risks

Abstract Background and Objective: In this study, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model was employed within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to zone Ardabil County for the purpose of optimal military site selection. The primary objective was to identify and prioritize the most suitable areas for the establishment of military bases, taking into account environmental, climatic, and human-related criteria.
Methodology: This research is of an applied type and has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. For this purpose, fourteen important indicators including altitude, slope, slope direction, geology, vegetation, temperature, humidity, soil, distance from road, village, fault, land use, distance from waterway were classified into three main groups (minor, human and environmental). First, using the ANP model and Super Decisions software, the weight of each of them (using a questionnaire and 30 experts and news) was calculated based on pairwise comparisons and internal and external relationships among them. Then, using the GIS environment, spatial information layers related to each indicator were prepared and processed, and the final weight of each layer was integrated using the Raster Calculator tool. In the next step, the final zoning map of the garrison location was divided into five classes from completely suitable to completely unsuitable.
Results and Findings: Results indicated that approximately 30% of the study area falls within the "highly suitable" and "suitable" classes, mainly located in the central and western parts of the county. In contrast, about 30% of the area was found to be "moderately suitable," predominantly covering the northern and central regions. Additionally, 40% of the area was classified as "unsuitable" or "highly unsuitable," with most of these areas situated in the northern and southern parts of the county. The findings of this research can serve as an effective decision-making tool for defense institutions and urban management authorities in the optimal placement of military facilities.

Abstract Background and Objective: The optimal location of military bases is one of the major challenges in the planning and development of defense infrastructure. Selecting an appropriate site for these facilities requires a thorough assessment of various environmental, strategic, and social factors to ensure security while minimizing negative impacts on natural resources and communities.
Methodology: In this study, the optimal location of military bases in Khalkhal County was determined using remote sensing data and the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model within a GIS environment. For this purpose, 12 effective variables were considered, including distance from rivers, geology, elevation, slope, slope direction, land use, vegetation cover, distance from faults, distance from roads, distance from villages, distance from cities, and soil type. The required data were extracted from various sources, such as ASTER sensor images, GLC-FCS30D database, Sentinel-2 satellite images, and geological maps. In the ANP process, criteria were initially classified into two clusters: natural and human-made, and then, pairwise comparisons were performed using Super Decisions software to determine the relative weights of the criteria. Subsequently, the initial, weighted, and final supermatrices were formed to determine the final weight of the criteria.
Results and Findings: The results indicated that areas with medium vegetation cover, slopes less than 10 degrees, brown steppe soils, and barren land are more favorable for the establishment of military bases. Furthermore, appropriate distances from faults, rivers, and human settlements were considered as key factors in decision-making. Analysis of elevation, slope, slope direction, vegetation cover, and land use maps revealed that the central and eastern regions of the county, due to their convenient access to infrastructure and stable environmental conditions, are the best options for establishing military bases.
Conclusion: The results of this study can contribute to the optimization of military base location by considering strategic, environmental, and security criteria. This would enhance the efficiency of military operations, improve crisis management, reduce infrastructure costs, and decrease vulnerability to natural disasters.

Abstract Background and Objective: Today, the tourism industry has become one of the main sources of income and employment creation at the international level. Identifying the geotourism potential and tourist attractions of each region, along with proper planning, can help develop this industry and attract tourists. Despite having high tourism capabilities, the tourist village of Bileh Darq has remained unknown due to lack of attention and investment, insufficient advertising, etc. The main objective of this research was to investigate the ecotourism capabilities of Bileh Darq village using the Pereira model.
Methodology: This region has always been of great interest to tourists due to its many natural attractions (ecotourism and geotourism). This research has investigated and analyzed the geotourism and ecotourism capabilities of the village of Bileh Daragh using the Pereira model. For this purpose, using the opinions of experts, local people and tourists, questions designed for the Pereira model (40 questionnaires) were conducted, tested and analyzed.
Findings and Conclusion: After calculating the data with the Pereira model, the geomorphological grade of the region was 3.7, which was obtained from the scientific value indices of 4.25 and the complementary value indices of 3.05. In addition, the management grade of the researched area was 7.6, which was obtained from the calculation of the conservation value indices of 2.05 and the functional value indices of 4.65. Finally, the tourist village of Bileh Daragh has obtained a score of 14 out of a maximum of 20 points in total values, which indicates the high ecotourism capabilities. However, the region's geotourism attractions remain unknown due to lack of investment and adequate advertising. The results of this study can help tourism managers and planners to plan properly and develop the tourism industry and attract tourists with scientific support and considering the region's geotourism capabilities.

Abstract Background and objective: Global soil maps, such as the data provided by FAO and other data sets, serve as an important basis for modeling hydrological processes. However, these maps are often not suitable for accurate calibration of models such as SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Model) due to their large scale or lack of sufficient detail. This challenge is especially evident in marginal logic with limited access to data.
Research method: The present study aims to prepare a soil map and its parameters for the hydrological SWAT model of the Sehazhar watershed in northern Iran, Tonekabon County, Mazandaran Province. Therefore, using remote sensing and geological map data and slope map, it takes a step towards helping to solve this problem that exists in watershed studies in areas lacking soil data. For this purpose, first, from the World Soil Map (FAO), then by averaging based on geological map information such as formation type, period, rock type and hydrological group, and slope map, 5 general soil types with their characteristics were extracted. Then, they were converted into soil maps in Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The adjacent basin of the Sardabrood region (Kalardasht) was also used for comparison and validation.
Findings and conclusions: In this study, 10 soil factors required for use in the SWAT model were extracted, including: number of layers, soil depth, horizon thickness, bulk density, available water capacity, saturated electrical conductivity, soil organic matter, clay, silt, sand, rock in the horizon, and albedo ratio. According to the results of the study, 5 general soil types of the basin include: chernozem or pseudo-chernozem soils, verticillium, molly-soil, podzol, and lithosol. The results of the validation of the present study showed that using the above method to facilitate the preparation of soil maps and the estimation of soil data values ​​has acceptable accuracy. Therefore, in areas without soil data and in studies with time constraints, the soil data preparation method is the appropriate method. Therefore, a promising solution is to use geological maps and remote sensing analyses to extract soil characteristics.

Abstract Background and Objective: Geomorphosites are a novel concept in tourism studies, emphasizing unique locations with scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic values. In recent years, geotourism and geomorphotourism have emerged as highly appealing concepts, attracting a diverse range of individuals with varied interests, as well as governments, environmental groups, and conservation organizations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the geotourism potential of karst landforms in Azarshahr Township using the Reynard method.
Methodology: For this purpose, field surveys were conducted to assess two main criteria: scientific value, added value, and a composite value. The scientific value comprises conservation status, rarity, representativeness, and paleogeographic significance, while the added value includes cultural, historical, religious, geohistorical, and economic values. The composite value encompasses global significance, educational value, threats, and management measures.
Results and Findings: The findings revealed that the geomorphosites in the region scored highest in the main criteria as follows: scientific value (0.53), composite value (0.47), and added value (0.34). Among the sub-criteria, educational value (0.79), paleogeography and geohistory (0.75), and threats (0.70) received the highest scores. In terms of geotourism potential, the examined landforms—travertines, springs, and caves—demonstrated the highest capacity to attract tourists across the three evaluation criteria (scientific value, added value, and composite value).