Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
2
Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
3
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
The equitable distribution of urban services is a key dimension of social and spatial justice, closely tied to population concentration. This study analyzes this distribution in Maragheh City with specific reference to demographic factors. Methodologically, it adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. This approach allows a comprehensive assessment. Initially, the nearest neighbor method examined spatial service patterns. Subsequently, 13 land-use layers were assessed via fuzzy gamma, and the resulting outputs were compared to residential concentration across seven urban zones. Findings reveal significant disparities between services and population density. Zones 2, 3, and parts of 1 and 7 are most densely inhabited. However, Zone 7, despite its high population, faces severe service shortages when measured against municipal standards and national benchmarks. Conversely, Zone 2 and parts of Zone 3 show a relatively balanced distribution. In contrast, Zones 5 and 6 have low density but host the majority of services, indicating clear spatial imbalance. Overall, Maragheh's facilities are inequitable, fragmented, and misaligned with its population. This creates advantages in some zones and critical deficits in others, reflecting a deep-rooted spatial injustice. The study recommends detailed service allocation evaluations relative to demographics and targeted inequality reduction. The framework is adaptable to other medium-sized cities, especially in semi-arid regions. However, success requires contextual calibration, quality spatial data, and local considerations, as performance hinges on these factors.
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