A New Approach to Analyzing Urban Sustainable Levels via Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Combination Models:DEMATEL, ANP & TOPSIS (Case Study: Kashan)

Nowadays, studying and surveying the indicators of sustainable development in different dimensions can be an appropriate criterion to determine the status of areas and regions in terms of locative and spatial distribution of proper facilities as well as a factor to resolve the problems in order to achieve economic, social, cultural and environmental prosperity of urban residents. 

With this approach, the present research aims to analyze and determine the sustainability levels of the regions and urban areas of Kashan in terms of sustainable development indicators in the nine criteria.  While demonstrating the level of quality of life of the inhabitants, the facilities and deficiencies and degree of stability of the areas and regions identified, the research is to provide programs and strategies to reduce deficiencies and deprivation in areas and regions. 

Regarding the purpose, the type of research is applied and in terms of the method of administration, it is descriptive-analytical. Taking into account the integrated indicators of sustainable development and with the combined approach of multi-criteria decision-making models such as DEMATEL, ANP and TOPSIS, the researcher attempts to answer this question; “How is the locative and spatial development pattern in the levels of the areas and regions of Kashan?”

The results of the research display that the locative-spatial development pattern throughout the areas and regions of Kashan is unbalanced in all selected indicators in three levels of benefited, semi-benefited and less-benefited ones; the areas and regions do not benefit the same conveniences and services. Regarding these issues, the resources, aptitudes, social, economic and environmental capitals and urban capable lands should be applied to eliminate the spatial shortages required in the regions and areas in proportion to sustainability indicators.