Mixed Method Approach to Delineation of Functional Urban Regions: Shiraz Metropolitan Region

Abstract

This study tries to improve methods of delineating functional urban regions (FURs) through a combination of two quantitative and qualitative methods, which are enhanced techniques: gravity analysis and flow analysis. This approach improves the gravity model by incorporating a centrality index into the model as a calibrating coefficient. Network analysis (origin–destination matrix) and spatial analysis (inverse distance-weighted interpolation) are also applied to the model within a geographic information system (GIS) environment in order to improve preciseness of distance parameter calculation. Inverse distance-weighted (IDW) interpolation helps the model improve calculation of attraction potential coefficient for the region under study (Shiraz Metropolitan Region). In addition, the census data permits flow analysis to be employed as a complementary method to adjust and revise the FUR boundary, which was initially delineated by the gravity model. The census bureau (Iran Statistical Center) provides useful information by extracting data from questionnaire surveys that are answered by local representatives in rural settlements. This information helped analysis of the direction of flows and capturing the more-realistic territory of Shiraz FUR.