Spatial Analysis of Factors Influencing the Realization of a Human-Centered Smart City (Case Study: Tehran Metropolis)
Subject Areas :mona salehi barmi 1 * , Rahim Sarvar 2 , Ali Tavakolan 3
1 -
2 - Islamic Azad University،Science And Research Branch . Tehran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Tehran University of Research Sciences
Keywords: Human-centered smart city, urban governance, exploratory factor analysis, spatial justice, Tehran metropolis,
Abstract :
This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the realization of a human-centered smart city in Tehran metropolis using a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, whose content validity was confirmed by experts, and internal consistency was verified with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81, indicating high reliability. The statistical population included citizens across Tehran’s 22 districts, and 384 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling based on Cochran's formula. The data were analyzed using SPSS v24. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified ten key components of a human-centered smart city, with urban governance emerging as the most significant, explaining 34.98% of total variance. A one-sample t-test revealed that only the components of smart citizens, human-centered accessibility, and sense of belonging were in a relatively favorable condition, whereas others—including governance, transportation, environmental quality, physical infrastructure, social participation, equity, and sustainability—remained unsatisfactory. Furthermore, Friedman’s test ranked the components, with human-centered accessibility (mean rank: 7.99) and sense of belonging (7.97) at the top, and urban governance (4.34) at the lowest rank.
To complement the statistical findings, spatial distribution of the indicators was mapped using GIS-based thematic analysis across the 22 districts. The spatial analysis revealed a clear regional disparity: northern and northwestern districts exhibited relatively high human-centered smartness, while southern and southeastern areas lagged behind. This spatial gap underscores the structural inequality and calls for a shift toward justice-oriented, participatory, and spatially balanced urban planning. The study highlights the necessity of integrating both technological and social dimensions in urban policy to achieve a truly inclusive and human-centered smart city.
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