Spatial Evaluation of Urban Growth Management Mechanism in Iranian Cities

As in many developing countries, Iranian cities are growing in population and physically expanding at a high rate. For approximately the past five decades, after formulation of the first series of urban development plans, defining the urban growth boundary (UGB) has been an important policy tool of (central) government and urban management agencies. Throughout this period and despite clear evidence indicating the ineffectiveness of the UGB whose policy has been adhered to with no major modifications. Perhaps lack of effort in this area goes back to the absence of scientific studies in the field of level of success of the policies and available tools. It is such an extent that current trend of urban growth management is considered as an appropriate approach. This article, while paying attention to relevant theoretical topics, analyses urban growth management and boundary in Iran. Evaluation of the current growth management process is conducted through definition of special quantitative indices and sample monitoring using non-parametric analysis techniques in GIS. As a result through a quantitative framework, this research demonstrates the weaknesses in the current procedure. The fundamental blunders cast doubt over the accuracy and credibility of the urban management mechanisms in Iran. Applicable results from the research include the necessity to revise the current policy tools.