Economic Geography Research

Economic Geography Research

Spatio-temporal analysis of physical changes in human settlements in light of the development of the new Arg-e-Bam special economic zone; The case study of Bam and Narmashir counties

Document Type : Articles extracted from Thesis

Authors
Mohammadreza Aboli 1
Ali Hosseini 2
Hossein Mansourian 2
1 Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran
10.30470/jegr.2026.2073683.1335
Abstract
The development of special economic zones as a tool for industrial and economic growth creates significant physical and spatial consequences in the surrounding settlements. This research aimed to investigate the physical, economic, social and environmental effects of the new Arg-e Jadid Bam special economic zone on human settlements in Bam, Barvat and Narmashir counties. The present study is applied and based on a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and Google Earth satellite images. The statistical population consisted of 220 indigenous (120 people) and non-indigenous (100 people) residents who were selected purposefully. Four main dimensions including physical, economic, social and environmental indicators were measured. Questionnaire data were analyzed with multiple linear regression and PLS-SEM structural equation modeling, and spatial data were processed with a geographic information system. According to the results of the research data among local residents, poverty and cultural facilities had the greatest impact on the feeling of security, while among non-native residents, physical and mental health were the main factors. Economic satisfaction among natives was influenced by the cost of living, and among non-natives, it was dependent on income, savings, and housing quality. Structural analysis showed that economic and environmental dimensions among natives and social and environmental dimensions among non-natives had the greatest impact on physical changes. Spatial analysis indicated a 540 percent growth in built-up area in Arg Jadidi and a change in the pattern from centralized to dispersed, and in Narmashir, there was an 87 percent growth in construction with minimal reduction in agricultural land. The results highlight the need for policymaking based on group differences and controlling land use changes for sustainable development.
Keywords
Special Economic Zones
Physical Development
New Bam Citadel
Spatial Developments
Sustainable Development

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Economic Geography Research
Volume 7, Issue 23
Spring 2026
Pages 138-158

  • Receive Date 07 October 2025
  • Revise Date 23 November 2025
  • Accept Date 04 January 2026