An introduction to the position of the urban network and its theories in urban planning theories

Ali Sheikh Azami¹ Kourosh Fedayan²

1) Urban, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran -
2) Department of Urban Planning, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran -

Publication : The first national conference on the observation of the future of cities (with a focus on architecture, management and urban development)3(fcitymarvdashtiau.ir)
Abstract :
With the emergence of big geospatial data, new narratives about cities based on networks and spatial flows have replaced the traditional focus on places. Although many studies have empirically analyzed network structures, a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of insights and practical methods for spatial networks in the context of planning is lacking. In this study, we examined the theories, concepts, methods, and applications of spatial network analysis in cities and their insights for planners across four areas of focus: spatial structures, optimization of urban infrastructure, indicators of economic wealth, social capital and residential mobility, and public health control. Additionally, we outlined four challenges planners face when utilizing spatial network knowledge in planning: data openness and privacy, connection to direct policy outcomes, lack of citizen participation, and difficulties in visualization and integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Finally, we presented a perspective on how spatial networks can be integrated into a participatory planning framework.
Keywords : the position of urban network theory urban planning spatial structure