Study of Topographic Features and their Role in City Site Selection

Abstract

The establishment and physical development of cities are primarily dependent on environmental and geographical conditions. Urban adjacent spaces, in relation to various natural environmental factors such as topographical features and proximity to natural formations like mountains, plains, seas, lowlands, and coastal areas, as well as the prevailing climatic conditions, play a decisive role in the development of cities. The aim of this research is to examine and compare the topographic features and their role in selecting suitable urban locations in Afghanistan, and to explore the geographical diversity of this country. Afghanistan, due to its mountainous location and the presence of plains and deep valleys, has a diverse topography that affects the economic, social, and cultural aspects of cities. One of the main objectives of this research is also to examine how topography affects the planning and implementation of urban infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and service networks in mountainous, semi-mountainous, and flat areas. The main issue of the present research is identifying urban development patterns based on topographic diversity, particularly the impact of slope, climatic conditions, and agricultural lands on the development of Afghanistan cities. The method of this research is based on developmental goals and, from the perspective of data nature, is descriptive-analytical, with data and information collected through library research. The findings of the research indicate that topographic features not only influence the formation of cities but also affect their economic, political, and social development. Understanding this diversity can contribute to more sustainable planning in the future.