Spatial Analysis of the Enjoyment Degree for the Townships of Esfahan Province based on ICT Indices

Present study is conducted by the aim of Spatial Analysis of the Enjoyment Degree for the townships of Esfahan province based on ICT Indices. Based on the purpose, the research is applied-developmental research, and based on the method it is descriptive, quantitative and analytical. 23 townships of Esfahan Province include statistical society of the research. The data were extracted from the Statistical Yearbook and the results of the General Population and Housing Census in 2011. Among variables of ICT, 20 indices were extracted, and by applying quantitative models of TOPSIS as a multi-criteria decision making method, the dispersion coefficient and etc. the differences and inequalities of townships in terms of ICT indices were ranked and determined. After that, based on the grade of TOPSIS results, the townships of the province were assorted in five categories (highly enjoyed, enjoyed, semi-enjoyed, deprived, and highly deprived). Moreover, leveling and ranking of mentioned indices are identified. The results show that there is not equality among townships of Esfahan province in terms of enjoyment of ICT indices and there is a significant difference in the degree of enjoyment. Among 23 townships, except Esfahan, which is in highly enjoyed level, 30.43% are at the enjoyed level, 34.78% are at the semi-enjoyed level, 13.04% are at the deprived level and 17.39% are at the very deprived level. Finally, ranked based on the status of townships for reducing spatial inequality and creating regional balance in ICT development, these townships were prioritized.