Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Associate Professor of Political Geography, Imam Hussein University, Tehran
3
PhD in Geography and Urban Planning
Abstract
Today, the concentration of population, infrastructure, and critical urban land uses has significantly increased cities’ vulnerability to human-induced threats and natural hazards. This issue is of greater importance in border cities due to their geopolitical position, communication role, and the presence of key administrative and service centers. Ilam, as one of Iran’s border cities and the main gateway for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrines in Iraq, contains a considerable concentration of vital, sensitive, and important land uses. In crisis situations, this concentration may lead to widespread functional disruption and increased losses. Therefore, assessing the spatial pattern of vulnerability and identifying high-risk zones based on passive defense principles is essential for enhancing urban resilience and reducing potential risks.
The present study aims to evaluate and zone the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and land uses in Ilam from a passive defense perspective. The research method is descriptive–analytical, and the required data were collected through documentary studies and field surveys, including expert interviews and questionnaire distribution. In this study, 30 indicators related to vulnerable urban elements were identified, and their weights were determined using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Subsequently, the spatial layers associated with each indicator were prepared in the GIS environment. After standardization and application of the calculated weights, the layers were integrated to produce the final vulnerability zoning map of the city.
The results indicate a clear spatial concentration of vulnerability in Ilam. The central and northwestern parts of the city, due to high population density, concentration of vital and sensitive land uses, and the inadequate spatial distribution of services, fall within the high and very high vulnerability classes. Overall, approximately 52% of the city area is classified as high and very high vulnerability, 12% as moderate vulnerability, and 36% as low vulnerability. Furthermore, healthcare facilities, administrative– managerial centers, and transportation and access networks were identified as the most influential elements with the highest vulnerability weights. Based on these findings, strategies such as balanced distribution of critical land uses, reduction of functional concentration in the urban core, strengthening of supporting infrastructure, and incorporation of passive defense requirements into urban development plans are recommended.
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