Assessment and ranking of influencing factors in the relationship between spatial patterns of urban green spaces and socioeconomic indices in Mashhad urban districts, Iran

In this study, we examined the relationship between the spatial patterns of urban green spaces (UGS) and socioeconomic indicators in the urban districts of Mashhad, Iran. The main objectives were: (1) to evaluate the spatial patterns of green spaces at the district level; (2) to determine the spatial heterogeneity of the UGSs; (3) to investigate the relationship of spatial patterns with socioeconomic indicators. The spatial patterns and heterogeneity were calculated through landscape metrics. In addition, as ranking procedures, Shannon and VIKOR methods were applied to rank and compare the socioeconomic features and spatial heterogeneity of the studied areas. Furthermore, the relationships between ecological and socioeconomic variables in urban areas were investigated using the Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The results showed that the percentages of land cover (PLAND), class area, edge density of the green patches (ED), and land shape index (LSI) were significantly correlated with indices such as population, sex ratio, area, income, and the number of rooms. Furthermore, the results of multiple regression PLAND, ED, and LSI were related to population and income indices. Accordingly, based on the findings, districts with lower social and economic ranks (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) had very high levels of spatial heterogeneity. Rapid expansion, lifestyle, and urban planning frameworks in the studied area were the main driving forces with significant impact on the spatial patterns of green spaces. Overall, it seems that a comprehensive and integrated planning of urban green spaces can be effective in reducing their heterogeneity.