Conceptual analysis of spatial development in studies of border rural areas; Meta-study Theoretical framework of scientific articles in Iran

Space, in various forms, is the key subject of geography. Space is probably the most cited word to give geography a unifying identity and focus. spatial development is one of the topics that has occupied the minds of the domestic scientific community in the field of geographical studies in the last decade; Numerous experts in this field have commented on physical development, spatial and economic justice, so that various researches have been done in this field. Therefore, the present article intends to explore the theoretical field of research conducted in the field of spatial development in geographical studies in Iran. The research method of the present article is of a combined type and is based on a meta-study strategy. The statistical population of the research consists of 40 scientific-research articles with a thematic focus on spatial development. In order to collect and analyze data, methods such as systematic review and open coding have been used. In this context, a comprehensive form for summarizing and extracting data from selected researches was prepared, which contained categories specific to the general characteristics and approaches of the articles. The results of the research indicate a one or two dimensional view of the issue of spatial development in geographical studies in Iran. The researches have considered the predominant expression of spatial development; Therefore, in most studies, the physical-spatial approach and sometimes in studies related to spatial justice have been considered as spatial development and have failed to pay attention to other aspects of spatial development.