Introduction: Nowadays, topographic studies play a crucial role in rural development. Utilizing environmental indices allows the identification of existing flaws in the ongoing rural development plans and projects within the county, preventing their repetition in subseq
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Introduction: Nowadays, topographic studies play a crucial role in rural development. Utilizing environmental indices allows the identification of existing flaws in the ongoing rural development plans and projects within the county, preventing their repetition in subsequent policymaking. Considering the settlements' positions within three levels (plain, foothill, and mountain) and natural factors (altitude, slope, direction), the most significant impact on development can be attributed to the environmental factor associated with the altitude level of rural habitats in Shaft County.Research Aim: The aim is to assess and examine the relationships between natural elements and sustainable development within the studied area and answer the question: Considering geographical factors (altitude and slope), which villages in Shaft County are situated within the unstable range? Descriptive and spatial data were integrated for this purpose.Methodology: This study, characterized as descriptive-applied research, encompassed stages involving the identification of study resources, data analysis, and the creation of tables and maps to assess and examine the relationships between geographical factors (altitude and slope) and sustainable development within the studied area, covering all sampled villages as part of the research population. Based on this, information layers were referenced to the base map, converted into shapefiles, and subsequently underwent a process of merging, clipping, overlaying, and other data mining directives for analysis and integration. Consequently, a model representing the information within the studied layers was generated in the form of a map.Studied Areas: The rural under study belong to Shaft County within Giulan Province.Results: The findings indicate a weak developmental rank related to villages such as Zardkam, Vali Sara, Khorfakel, Vaneh Baneh, Kuchek Koomsar, Dakleh Sara, Moharraman, Mashallah Kal, Aqanur Setan, Lesom, Safidkhani, Tanz, Babarakab, Imamzadeh Ibrahim, and Talghan. In the foothill and mountainous villages (with specific altitude and slope conditions), proper measures haven't been implemented, and the villages are utilizing only the minimum of their capacities for the sustainability of the studied area. This situation solely stems from non-strategic management.Conclusion: The geographical position and natural conditions of each settled rurals within the districts, based on altitude, represent one of the most essential factors required for the development of Shaft County's rurals to plan for providing access to services aimed at increasing the developmental level within the county's district segments. For instance, communication routes, one of the primary environmental factors in rural development, have largely taken shape based on the topography of scattered rurals across Shaft County. However, in each of the four districts, they exist at an unacceptable qualitative and quantitative level in terms of sustainably utilizing the capacities of the county's rurals.
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