Explanation of the Role of Urban Network in the Spatial Balance; A Case Study of Khorasane-Razavi

Abstract Aims: Affected by natural and human phenomena, the spatial order forms the urban network. In a balanced urban system, due to hierarchical functions and activities in different cities, and fair provision of services to the existing population, there are hierarchical links between cities. The aim of this study was to investigate the urban network based on functional analysis and factors affecting the urban network deformation in Khorasan Razavi province. Instruments and Methods: Using survey research method, the present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in ۲۰۱۵ among ۱۱۸ experts of the provincial government, Road and Urban Development Office of Khorasan Razavi province, Governorate, Municipalities, University Jihad of Ferdowsi University, Geography professors of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and mayors of Khorasan Razavi province; In this study, convenience sampling method was used. The research tool was researcher made questionnaire. Factors affecting spatial imbalance were evaluated through structural equation modeling and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, using SPSS ۲۲ and Lisrel ۸.۵۲ software. Findings: Economic, infrastructural, and political factors had the greatest effect on spatial imbalance with factor loading of ۰.۷۷, ۰.۷۵, and ۰.۷۵, respectively. Conclusion:  Mashhad is at the highest and Bajgiran is at the lowest level in terms of development factors. Among the factors influencing the spatial imbalance, the changes in the country's division in the provincal level (change village to city), centralized system governance, the lack of attention to the role of the middle cities in division of labor (political factors), the focus of activities in metropolises, disproportionate allocation of credits at the provincial level, the focus of roles in Mashhad (economic factors), and the focus of superior educational and health-care services (infrastructural factors) have a more effective role.

کلیدواژه ها:

Urban Network Geographical Space Spatial Balance Khorasane-Razavi ، شبکه شهری ، فضای جغرافیایی ، تعادل فضایی ، خراسان رضوی