Spatial Analysis of Urban Growth in Tabuk During the Time Period from 1990 to 2023 and Efficiency of Green Areas Distribution

التحليل المكاني للنمو العمراني لمدينة تبوك خلال الفترة (1990 – 2023م)

Abstract

This paper offered a spatial analysis of the urban growth in the city of Tabuk during the period from 1990 to 2023. During this time span, the city recorded urban and population growth that led to considerable expansion in different directions. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate this urban growth, its percentage, directions, and the human factors affecting it. Moreover, it measured the efficiency of spatial distribution of urban green spaces (public parks) following this expansion. Descriptive analytical approach is used to analyse the urban growth using remote sensing technologies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). While these technologies are employed to analyse and interpret satellite visuals obtained from the US Geological Survey, the study achieved significant results of which the urban growth in Tabuk during the study period amounts to 542,7 km2, where the majority of the urban expansion of the city is northward, northeast and northwest of the city. The maximum urban growth of the city of Tabuk was in 2023 reaching 193.4 km2, representing a percentage of 7,3 % of the total city area. The study recommends that interested parties should benefit from best of places proposal model to create green spaces (public parks) in the city to accommodate urban growth.