Urbanization patterns in Iran visualized through spatial auto-correlation analysis

In recent decades urbanization in the world and Iran has changed and evolved based on a variety of patterns. Many factors influence these patterns, including climate conditions, national policies, international developments, and the economic situation. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in spatial autocorrelation pattern of urbanization in Iran. Hence, data has been extracted from the Statistical Center of Iran. At first, patterns of urbanization were calculated and then global Moran index has been used in the analysis of spatial pattern changes. The results showed that central and northern regions of the country, particularly Isfahan and Tehran, in all courses have a positive spatial autocorrelation pattern and its intensity has increased in recent times. This is while the south-eastern half of the country, due to climatic determinism, has a negative spatial autocorrelation pattern.