Trends of urban sprawl and sustainable spatial development planning (case study: Region 2 in Tehran city)

The physical development of the city is an essential element in any integrated urban development program. The rapid expansion in the physical form of cities in an unplanned and uneven growth in line with the various causes of irregular migration is considered one of the major problems in Iran's cities which can result in urban sprawl. The main objective of this study was to investigate the implications of urban development and measuring the urban sprawl in Tehran's Region 2 using Moran Index, GINI and aggregation indicators. results showed that the physical expansion of this region has a sprawl pattern which has a profound influence on the spatial structure of this area. With the application of aggregation indicators, it was found that increasing aggregation in Tehran's District 2 has decreased slightly in this area in recent years and has proven that applying such policy towards developing smart growth is partly practical. Finally, the result of this study has been used to suggest practical proposals towards reduction of urban sprawl in Tehran's region 2.