Journal of Natural Environment

Evaluating the degree of urban sprawl based on smart growth density criteria using the (BWM) method: A study of the city of Khoy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Urban Planning, Ta. C. Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran., Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Department of Urban Planning, Ta, C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2026.408832.2873

Abstract

Urban sprawl is one of the major challenges facing medium-sized cities in Iran, with direct implications for spatial efficiency, accessibility patterns, and environmental sustainability. Khoy, as one of the most populous cities in West Azerbaijan Province, has experienced horizontal expansion, increasing land consumption, and declining spatial cohesion in recent years. The aim of this study is to assess the level of urban sprawl in Khoy based on smart growth density criteria and to identify the relative contribution of influencing factors. This research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature, adopting a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach. In the first stage, spatial–temporal analysis of land-use maps across multiple time periods was conducted to verify the existence and spatial pattern of urban sprawl in Khoy. In the next stage, ten key components within five analytical dimensions were identified and weighted using the Best–Worst Method (BWM) based on the judgments of 18 experts in urban planning, environmental studies, and transportation. The weighting results indicate that access to services (weight= 0.18), population density (weight= 0.15), and land-use diversity (weight= 0.13) are the most influential factors explaining urban sprawl in Khoy. Subsequently, the actual values of the indicators at the city scale were normalized and integrated with the derived weights. The final urban sprawl index was calculated as 0.571, indicating that Khoy is positioned at a moderate to relatively high level of urban sprawl. The findings reveal that Khoy’s spatial structure is influenced more by density patterns, land-use distribution, and accessibility than by environmental consequences alone. Accordingly, promoting infill development, enhancing spatial cohesion, and targeted regeneration of inefficient urban fabrics can play a significant role in mitigating urban sprawl in the city of Khoy.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 79, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 127-148