Future Study of Effective Factors on Urban Growth Management Based on Ecological Networks: A Case Study on Maragheh City

The present applied research is descriptive-analytical in nature and uses library and field methods to collect the required data. To achieve the research variables, the research background was reviewed. The obtained variables were then examined through interviews with experts. Finally, 41 variables were identified in the form of 4 political-managerial, economic, social and natural indicators using Delphi method and environmental scanning. Finally, a questionnaires in the form of a 41 * 41 matrix were distributed among 15 experts and specialists selected through to purposive sampling. Following that, using Mick Mac and Scenario Wizard Software, 13 items were identified as the main and key drivers of effective management on urban growth in Maragheh. These 13 items were examined in 39 possible situations using Scenario Wizard Software. Finally, 23 credible scenarios were presented in the field of urban growth management in Maragheh. Two scenarios, 3 and 12, were chosen to be the best ones for managing the growth of Maragheh based on ecological networks.