Semiotics and Comparative Analysis: Smart and Entropic Positioning in the North Direction of Stepped-Form Ancient Villages Case Study: (Masouleh, Abyaneh, Palangan), Iran

Subject Areas : Journal of Radar and Optical Remote Sensing and GIS

Farnaz Sedehian ¹ , Hamideh Kavusi ²

1 - Department of Urban, Urban Design, Guilan University, Rasht, Iran
2 - Rasht University of Science and Culture

Received: 2024-09-25 Accepted : 2024-12-30 Published : 2025-01-19

Keywords: ARC GIS, Box-counting, Entropy, Geomorphological Location, Global MAP, Underground Water Direction,

Abstract :

Objective: This study explores the role of geomorphology, astronomy, and underground water tables in determining the location and orientation of terraced villages in Iran, focusing on spring routing, underground spring height (MAD), and the sun’s noon alignment with the village center. It also examines ridge line alignment, building orientations toward mountain fronts, and spatial connections within each settlement.

Methods:  The research employs a box-counting method and a cubing algorithm to analyze topographical data, enabling the calculation of visible adjacent and non-adjacent zones. Ridge line alignments and building orientations in the four cardinal directions are studied in relation to the central core of each village. Comparative analyses of MAD, TIN, and river flow directions across the case study villages—MASOULEH, ABYANEH, and PALANGAN—provide insights into spatial patterns and proportional relationships.

Results: The findings indicate a significant correlation between the sun's rotational axis at noon, ridge line orientation, and village centers. The MAD and TIN analysis revealed comparable ratios in river paths across the villages. Specifically, MASOULEH and PALANGAN showed proportional similarities in their lower halves, while ABYANEH exhibited nearly double the values of the other two villages. Additionally, flow river direction patterns varied, with ABYANEH and MASOULEH showing a 3×3 structure, compared to PALANGAN’s 2×2 configuration.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the smart integration of environmental and astronomical factors in the spatial organization of terraced Iranian villages. The alignment of natural and built elements reflects advanced rural planning, highlighting the role of geomorphology and astronomy in shaping the settlement patterns of Masouleh, Abyaneh, and Palangan.

References:

Cao, K., Liu, Y., Cao, Y., Wang, J., & Tian, Y. (2024). Construction and characteristic analysis of landscape gene maps of traditional villages along ancient Qin-Shu roads, Western China. Heritage Science, 12(1), 37.
Daneshgar Nejad, Z., Nezhad Bahramjerdi, S. F., & Hanachi, P. (2022). The importance of construction techniques in the conservation of vernacular architecture of Masouleh. Journal of Architectural Conservation, 28(3), 160-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556207.2022.2033517
Dzombak, R. (2023, June). We've pumped so much groundwater that we've nudged the Earth's spin, says new study. American Geophysical Union, Phys.org. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2023-06-weve-groundwater-nudged-earth.html
Ghaderi, Z., Hall, M. C. M., & Ryan, C. (2022). Overtourism, residents and Iranian rural villages: Voices from a developing country. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 37, 100487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2022.100487
Ghanbari, S., Yeganeh, M., & Reza bemanian, M. (2022). Architecture typology of rural plain houses based on formal features, case study:(Talesh, Iran). Frontiers in Built Environment, 8, 856567. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2022.856567
GORABI, A., (2016), "Active tectonics; Earthquakes, uppers and prospects", Tehran, Selection Publication. [In Persian].
Gourabi, B. R. (2013). The role of humans in the initiation of floods. Case study: flood, August 1998, Masouleh, Guilan-Iran. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 83. Retrieved from www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541 (online).
Husain, M. H., Ahmadi, M., & Mardukhi, F. (2024). Vehicular Fog Computing: A Survey of Architectures, Resource Management, Challenges and Emerging Trends. Wireless Personal Communications, 136(4), 2243-2273.
Ismaili Aba Zar, & Abdullahi Khodiar. (2010). Watershed management and soil protection. Mohaghegh Ardabili Press, p. 89.
Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Zhang, A., & Li, C. (2023). Exploring Village Spatial Patterns for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Diqing Prefecture. Sustainability, 15(23), 16362. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316362
Mahmoudi, F. (1995). Geology and Geomorphology of Guilan (Vol. 1). Book Guilan.
McColl, R. W. (2014). Encyclopedia of world geography (Vol. 1). Infobase Publishing.
Mokhtari, D. (2006). Application of morphometric indices in determining the activity of faults, Case study: North Mishou fault. Journal of Geosciences, 15(59), 83–70. [In Persian]
Najar Pour Siahkal, R., & Colleagues. (2023). Flood risk zoning using GIS and RS techniques. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/RS/Desktop/1402-masoleh/8691395h23112.pdf
Peach, D., & Taylor, A. (2024). The development of a hydrogeological conceptual model of groundwater and surface water flows in the Silala River Basin. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 11(1), e1676. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1676
Rahmatabady, S. S., & Amjadian, K. (2020). The impact of mountainous geography of west of Iran on architecture and form of Hawraman dwelling. International Scientific Journal Architecture and Engineering. Retrieved from http://architecture.scientific-journal.com
Reza, E. (2011). Identification of staircase house type in rural architecture of Iran: Masouleh and Abyaneh settlements (Doctoral dissertation, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)). https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0431394
Sarfo, I., Qiao, J., Effah, N. A. A., Djan, M. A., Puplampu, D. A., Batame, M., ... & Zhu, X. (2024). A bibliometric analysis of China’s rural revitalization paradox: opportunities for collaboration, social innovation and global development. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04302-w
Talebnia, P., Salari, F., & Paykani, R. S. (2021). A Study of the Characteristics of Hawar's Lifestyle in the Cultural Landscape of Hawramans. Manzar: The Iranian Scientific Journal of Landscape, 13(56).
Tamadoni, G. (2014). Introductory Mapping: Topography. Tehran University Publications, Tehran. National Bibliography Number: 38466.
Wells, S. G. (1988). Regional variation in geomorphology along a segmented convergent plate boundary, Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Geomorphology, 1, 239–265.