Spatial prioritization of urban green infrastructure in semi-arid regions for runoff management (Study area: Tehran city)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.Sc. Graduate, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

10.29252/aridbiom.2026.4203

Abstract

Urban runoff management in semi-arid areas is one of the major challenges of urban planning. This study aims to provide a scientific framework for spatial prioritization of urban green infrastructure development with emphasis on runoff management in Tehran metropolis. The research method is based on the integration of geographic information systems and spatial multi-criteria decision-making using the analytic hierarchy process. For this purpose, nine key criteria including runoff potential, slope, population density, soil texture, distance from green space, distance from rivers, distance from educational centers, distance from medical centers, and distance from main roads were identified, weighted, and integrated in the geographic information system environment. The model sensitivity analysis was performed by creating 18 weighted scenarios and calculating the kappa coefficient. The findings showed that impervious surfaces cover more than 80 percent of the city area. The very high priority areas are mainly concentrated in the central, southern and western regions of Tehran (regions 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 20), which are associated with high population density, high runoff potential and lack of green space. In contrast, the northern regions of the city have a lower priority due to favorable vegetation cover and lower density. The results of the sensitivity analysis confirmed the high stability of the model (kappa greater than 0.82) and the high sensitivity of the runoff potential and population density criteria. This study provides an operational and evidence-based map as a tool to support urban managers' decision-making in order to optimally allocate resources and increase the hydrological resilience of Tehran.

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References

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Journal of Arid Biome
Volume 15, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 87-102

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