How can we objectively measure the quality of life within cities? And does quality of life truly differ between city centers and suburbs? In a prominent research study published in the Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites (2021), researcher Salim Dehimi (is a permanent faculty member at the Institute of Urban Technology Management, University of M’Sila in Algeria.)
), highlights the latest advanced spatial modeling techniques to evaluate urban quality of life (QoL).
💡 Study Concept and Objectives
The study aimed to evaluate urban quality of life by integrating expert insights and resident perspectives to select core evaluation criteria, utilizing advanced techniques consisting of:
• Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA): To select and prioritize the most influential criteria affecting residents' quality of life.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): To conduct spatial modeling and generate precise analytical maps identifying the geographical ranges of quality of life levels.
📊 Key Findings
Detailed spatial analyses revealed a noticeable disparity in urban quality of life levels within the studied zone, with results distributed as follows:
• High Quality: Represented about 4.44% of the targeted area.
• Acceptable Quality: Accounted for the largest share at 47.23%.
• Low Quality: Covered the remaining 48.33%.
Furthermore, the study proved the existence of clear, spatially determined geographical differences between the city center and the suburbs, reflecting inequalities in the distribution of services and opportunities between the city core and its outskirts.
🎯 Why This Study Matters
The significance of this research lies in its role as a strategic tool for decision-makers and urban planners. It goes beyond mere numbers by providing detailed spatial maps that help municipalities and planning authorities to:
- Direct urban development toward areas most in need (suburbs or low-quality zones).
- Involve residents and experts in the planning decision-making process to ensure actual needs are met.
- Rely on modern scientific methodologies (GIS and multi-criteria analysis) to achieve sustainable urban development. Original Research Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=70dQHLUAAAAJ&citation_for_view=70dQHLUAAAAJ:NzUpm4bhSXQC
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