International Journal of

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Functional and structural changes of regional system are ongoing spatial changes that form patterns of spatial organization, depending on dominant regional forces and factors. Spatial structure of West Azerbaijan province experienced significant changes during 15 years; thus, the present research aim to investigate the manner of spatial distribution of two variables of population and activity, and correlation of these variables with spatial structure of the province during the years from 1996 to 2011. Quantitative method was employed for this aim and urban rank-size index was used to analyze settlement pattern of West Azerbaijan province; Kernel density and Moran method was used to analyze population data; general and local Moran data were used to analyze activity data; and regression method was used to see the degree of correlation between these variables. The results showed that spatial structure of west Azerbaijan was monocentric in 1996 while the of spatial distribution trend of the population and activity indicated decentralization tending toward clustered spatial pattern during 15-year period of time, due to high correlation between the given variables. In other words, some kinds of decentralized convergence took place. Such trend would change the spatial structure in West Azerbaijan province and needs to be properly oriented in the future planning of urban and regional development.

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In recent decades, remarkable changes have occurred in the spatial structure of metropolitan regions, creatingdiscontinuous, scattered and polycentric development which have significant implications for commuting patterns. This study examines the dynamics of spatial structure using interaction flow patterns in Mashhad Metropolitan Region (MMR). Four dimensions - centrality and dominance, network cohesion, interaction strength and levels and hierarchy - were used to analyse population flows in 1999, 2007 and 2012, showing that the interaction between Mashhad and other cities in the MMR increased over the time. However, the growth was inflows to the principal city grew considerably while the outflows decreased from 1999 to 2012 suggesting that the spatial structure of the MMR is monocentric despite the focus of development policies on polycentric development. Thus, it is necessary to adopt an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to develop a polycentric metropolitan region in order to protect the environment and reinforce inter-city relationships, manage travel demand, reduce unnecessary trip, and restrict sprawl. These policies lead to more convergence and polycentric development.
 

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Over the last two decades, the focus of studies on the spatial organization of urban systems has shifted noticeably from classical theories such as “the central place theory” to utilizing novel theories based on the network essence of intercity relations, such as “the central flow theory”. This field of urban research, which has emerged under the term “external urban relations”, has developed through integrating contributions from many disciplines. However, different methodological traditions and interdisciplinary contexts in which the research is conducted are leading to ambiguity in how we understand and measure intercity relations. This study systematically reviews and analyzes the body of this new literature. It does so by innovatively employing a scientometric mapping approach, which is a combination of bibliometric and citation network analysis methods. This review is based on a publication set of 145 papers published on the subject since 1995. The number of publications covered by the Web of Science (WoS) shows a significant increase in the most recent years. The current study identifies 20 papers as playing a pivotal role in the evolution of the literature on urban external relations. Furthermore, the results revealed five conceptualizations before the 1990s at the classical theories era, along with two renowned conceptualizations during the 1990s (the transition decade), which have had the most impact on changes in the metamorphosis of theoretical fundamentals. The present developments are influenced by a wide range of various concepts, methods, and empirical approaches. Two different subfields (schools) of thought known as “world/global cities”, and “polycentricity” are identified by systemically integrating traditional top-down and bottom-up review methods. Their different aspects were also discussed.

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Transportation is one of the most important issues in today's cities. Urban trips and their spatial and temporal patterns influence and are influenced by other components and functions of the city. Information and communication technology have evolved rapidly over the last few decades and have influenced urban travel patterns in many ways. Numerous studies have attempted to study the effects of these technologies on transportation and urban travel and to explain the relationship between them. However, due to the lack of sufficient information and the complicated nature of the connection between ICT and travel, there is still speculation about how it will affect the urban travel patterns, and many researchers believe that we can not simply comment on these effects conclusively. Hence, understanding the interaction of ICT and urban transportation is necessary for the planning and management of urban transportation. This study tries to answer the question of what is the relationship between IC and urban travel through a systematic literature review of empirical studies? For this review, 77 empirical published articles were selected and after describing their important features, the main findings of the articles were extracted and categorized into 6 topics based on the effects that ICT can have on urban travels and the relationship between them. The findings showed that the relationship between ICT and urban travel can be in four different modes: a) substitution-reduction, b) synergy-complementary, c) modification, and d) neutrality. ICT can also influence the urban travel pattern and its quantity and quality by providing fragmentation of activities and optimizing the use of the existing transportation systems. The type and severity of effects can vary at different times and places and under the influence of socio-economic factors. The results also indicate that due to the significant increase in ICT use after the Covid-19 pandemic, the severity of its effects on the urban travel pattern has also increased and it is expected that even after returning to normal and in the post-Covid-19 period, the relationship between ICT and the travel patterns will become even more pronounced