The spatial analysis of the livability of 22 districts of Tehran Metropolis using multi-criteria decision making approaches

Abstract In addition to increasing the attractiveness of urban environment, the advancement of living conditions in this environment provides a good basis for achieving the major goals of sustainable development. Nevertheless, the rapid growth of urbanization and other issues related to urban development have raised and augmented problems in these settlements. This situation is well understood in many Iranian cities in which the consequences of rapid urban growth and insufficient financial and human resources in the management process are obviously felt. The purpose of this research is to analyze the livability of Tehran Metropolis in terms of the fulfilment of biological needs with regard to land uses for residential purposes, urban infrastructures, sanitation, green spaces, industry, administration, transportation, military, and commercial purposes. To this end, initially the pattern of distribution of biological services all over Tehran Metropolis was analyzed using the Standard deviational ellipse method; and then, using the SAW technique, the livability of districts in Tehran was measured with respect to the fulfilment of biological needs. The findings of this research show that different districts of Tehran Metropolitan do not have similar conditions of livability regarding their access to biological services and these services have not been distributed among them equitably. The present study introduces the spatial districts which are high on the list of priorities and which require greater attention so as to promote just distribution of biological services in Tehran.