Spatial Heterogeneity Modeling of the Effect of key Variables Affecting the Spatial Distribution of Schools Using Geographic Weighted Regression (Case Study: Ardabil City)

Today, not paying attention to the correct distribution of educational centers in cities has created many problems for citizens and students. For this reason, it is very important to identify the spatial distribution pattern of schools and the key factors affecting it. The research is correlation type and its purpose is to explain the significant impact of key variables affecting the distribution of schools in the neighborhoods of Ardabil city. OLS regression analysis and GWR have been used in ArcGIS software. The relationship between the spatial distribution of schools and the spatial distribution of the population in Ardabil city was carried out with OLS regression and according to the results, the key variables affecting the spatial distribution of schools were identified. The effect coefficient of each of the key variables was calculated with both types of regression and the maps obtained from the coefficients were analyzed with GIS analytical functions. The result shows that the distribution of schools in Ardabil city did not follow the population distribution, but cultural, religious and sports factors had more effects on this distribution. Thus, the variable of cultural and religious uses has had the greatest impact on the spatial distribution of schools in the old construction areas and its informal settlements, and the least in the newly built areas and towns. Also, the biggest disproportion between the population density and the distribution of schools is seen in the central areas of the city, which are mainly located in the geographical territory of a municipality.