Analysis of Spatial Patterns of Sprawl in Tehran Metropolitan Region

In comparison to the other human residence styles, metropolitan areas as an emerging phenomenon are subject to a faster formation and development procedure concerning different aspects. Considering different patterns, the research is focused on growth in these areas and observing new forms of development, how development takes place and how development patterns are followed. Every metropolitan area is capable of following a different development pattern according to its own characteristics and environmental conditions. Quality of formation of development patterns in one area depends on limitations of residence area and facilities existing there, as well as many human variables. In order to recognize basic concepts of Urban Sprawl, the research examined formation process and development of spatial organization, spatial patterns identification in metropolitan areas, in addition to the factors and characteristics of this phenomenon. Various regional metropolitan features of Tehran in terms of physical in addition to social and population development, infrastructures and transportation, physical links and inter residential communications as well as product flow were also subject of this investigation. The results show that underlying and population network in Tehran metropolis plays an essential role in formation and development of Urban Sprawl phenomenon, in a way that specified pattern of sprawl in Tehran metropolitan area demonstrates conformity with a specific pattern during different years, which is due to various impacts made by measures. However, as the two flat points in metropolitan area, Tehran and Karaj have had special effects on this pattern. That is, dispersed development areas in previous periods are transforming into contiguous developed areas. Assessments made in one year period of 2011, indicates that the same effects are the reason for transfer of Urban Sprawl phenomenon to outer regions of Tehran metropolitan area.