Urban Distortion in Classifying Urban Areas Through Residential Zone Redistricting and Land Management Challenges in Najaf City: Diagnosis and Treatment Using GIS to Achieve Sustainability

Obtaining residential land is one of the most crucial requirements for people in today's time, as it represents stability, security, and an enhanced standard of living. Consequently, securing residential land for every family is an aspiration pursued by planners through various ongoing activities. Residential subdivision is one of the most important processes affecting the development of a residential area. However, once this process occurs, it requires new infrastructure services for the communities it creates. Therefore, it is important to ensure that subdivisions comply with the laws and obtain a subdivision license. Subdivision instructions should enable local authorities to regulate major developments in residential areas. The most important of these are spaces designated for housing, such as low-rise single-family housing units. On the other hand, these residential plots are undergoing a process of re-subdivision, which was previously permitted under certain municipal legislation [1].

Urban morphology and land use theory, which incorporate the ideas of sustainable urban development and land redevelopment, form the basis of the theoretical framework. Conceptually, redevelopment is linked to the concept of urban restructuring, which posits that the built environment undergoes phases of fragmentation, densification, and redevelopment in response to changing economic and demographic needs [2]. According to land management, redevelopment impacts environmental sustainability, accessibility to services, and efficient spatial planning, whether through legal means or automated processes.

Therefore, the study fills a significant gap in the previous literature by focusing on the effects of uncontrolled redevelopment on the efficiency of urban sustainability and land use. Urban indicators, redevelopment rates, spatial analysis using GIS technology, and statistical analysis in the SPSS program were employed to identify urban distortions over a 23-year period from 2000 to 2023, focusing on three distinct areas in the city of Najaf (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. Methodology framework

Organization and planning will guarantee successful operation of this complicated undertaking. It covers a vast range of topics from public services to city planning. This manual will discuss residential land management basic theory while emphasizing the most useful tools of the trade [4]. The matters that must be seriously considered in residential land management:

1. Urban planning [5]:
   
   1. Future Vision: Set some long-term goals with a clear vision regarding house improvement.
   2. Feasibility Study: Carry out a full feasibility study to determine whether the project is profitable economically and socially.
   3. Urban Design: Prepare detailed design plans for development with considerations of natural features, topography, and climate.
   4. Public Services: Provide and maintain civil infrastructure for public services, such as water, electricity, sewage, and roads.
   5. Green Spaces: Provide adequate provision for green spaces and public parks.
2. Public services [6]:
   
   1. Water Management: Provide safe drinking water and proper disposal of wastewater.
   2. Energy Management: Generate power efficiently while searching for alternative energy sources.
   3. Waste Management: Draft methods for the disposal of waste, which could be liquid or solid. Communication and Transportation: Construct suitable roadways and promote environmentally sustainable modes of transport.
3. Social aspect [7]:
   
   1. Community Development: Stimulate social interaction amongst residents and provide for social services.
   2. Security and Safety: Provide a safe and secure environment for residents.
   3. Recreational Services: Provide recreational and sports facilities.
4. Environmental aspect [8]:
   
   1. Environmental Preservation: Implementing environmentally friendly practices throughout all phases of the project.
   2. Environmental Risk Management: Assessing potential environmental risks and taking necessary measures to mitigate them.

1. Subdivision Regulations: Land use, density, and construction limitations are governed by local subdivision laws. These regulations have a direct bearing on the subdivision plans.
2. Availability and Cost of Land: Price and availability of land at any particular location influence the feasibility for a subdivision project.
3. Infrastructure: Residential development requires road access, utilities, and public amenities-water, sewage, and electricity.
4. Environmental: Subdivision designs will be influenced by environmental restrictions and the presence of certain natural features, considered, for example, floodplains or wetlands may hinder the development process.
5. Market Demand: Preconditions for residential subdivisions are created by the need for housing.
6. Community Input: Subdivision plans may be amended based on comments from neighbourhood residents and other interested parties.
7. Economic conditions: Having a bearing on the feasibility of any single-family land subdivision, among other factors, include interest rates and construction costs. This study would form an excellent basis for a residential re-subdivision analysis [14, 15].

Sustainable planning aims to strike a balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. This can be achieved through the proper implementation of rezoning. However, this process has its drawbacks, including pressure on infrastructure if it is not modernized, and the loss of urban landscape and cultural identity in some neighbourhoods. It also supports social justice by offering diverse housing options for various segments of society. It supports sustainable mobility by facilitating access to destinations. It also enables the reorganization of built-up areas to halt uncontrolled urban growth [20].

At the city level, urban distortion is manifested by the emergence of many deformities in the city's landscape. As a result of the rapid and almost cancerous change in their urban structures, cities have lost their traditional urban character. One of the most significant manifestations of urban disorder is the emergence of slums in the city centre, where various activities overlap without a governing system, resulting in the loss of the city's architectural and urban character. The phenomenon of urban deformities is not alien to our society. It has recently taken a dangerous turn, represented in several forms, including those changes caused by human hands, whether inside or outside the home. This phenomenon is no longer limited to old neighbourhoods alone, but has also extended to new neighbourhoods and residential complexes [25]. Roads and Buildings Law No. (44) of 1935 classified urban areas into six categories (first, second, third, fourth, excellent, and special). The area of a residential plot for these categories was determined, respectively, as follows: (100, 200, 300, 600, 800, 2000). These areas were established to prevent encroachment on residential plots and to maintain the integrity of the areas allocated to each category [10].

$Re-subdivision\text { rate }=\left(\frac{\text { Area before secretion }- \text { Area after secretion }}{\text { Area before secretion }}\right) \times 100$           (1)

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Figure 2. Location of the city of Najaf in relation to Iraq

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Figure 3. Location of the selected neighbourhoods in the city of Najaf

A. Al-Furat District

It is one of Najaf's more contemporary neighbourhoods. Incredible urbanization has occurred there over the last several decades (Figures 2 and 3). The district stands out due to its advantageous location, which is close to several key regions and important government and service organizations. The district is well thought-out, having a landscape with a variety of residential blocks, commercial areas, educational institutions, parks, and public amenities. This particular locality embodies the modern growth of Najaf. Najaf is a well-established city with transportation, health, education, and entertainment infrastructure that can sustain the demands of its citizens [26]. This particular sector, combining residential and service aspects, has seen much development lately after being the subject of many investment projects and commercial developments. Educational institutions here include the College of Administration and Economics, as well as entertainment areas such as Al-Furat Family Park. This comes together as a unified environment capable of meeting all community needs. Thanks to its well-planned neighbourhoods, modern infrastructure, and proximity to Najaf's main hubs, Al-Furat District has quickly developed into a prime attraction for buy-to-let owners. Comparing the 2000 map with the 2023 map and Table 1, therefore, indicates that business use has increased, especially along major roads. The area witnessed the development of more amenities in 2023, along with transit facilities for the events of a public or religious character. A change has also occurred in the apartment building re-sorting method. Figure 4 displays the sharply increased growth of green spaces and recreation places. Thus, it is estimated that the re-sorting rate in this area stood at about 29.63% for the period of 2000-2023, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Table 1. Land subdivision and re-subdivision in the years 2000 and 2023 for Al-Furat neighbourhood

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Figure 4. Between 2000 and 2023, Al-Furat neighbourhood subdivision and re-subdivision differed

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Figure 5. Al-Furat neighbourhood plan in 2000

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Figure 6. Al-Furat neighbourhood plan in 2023

B. Al-Amir District

It is commonly considered among the foremost neighbourhoods in Najaf. Due to its prime location and well-established urban infrastructure, it holds a place among the most important neighbourhoods in the city. The district is blessed with wide avenues and plenty of community facilities, a testimony to its meticulous urban design. In addition to a large number of shops selling every conceivable commodity or service, it is also home to many model educational and service institutions. Being centrally located, it draws citizens as much as it draws traders. Tremendous growth has taken place in this area in recent years. This modern community represents a marriage between all necessities of life and a serene residential environment. It also provides a healthy and nurturing atmosphere, together with numerous parks and open places that will give the residents room to unwind and enjoy life. This development has transformed the Al-Amir District into one of the city's most organized and prosperous neighbourhood's. It offers the perfect combination of comfort, integrated services, and proximity to the city's essential facilities, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to live in the area.

Commercial buildings on key highways have increased in quantity when comparing the designs from 2000 and 2023, as seen in Figure 7 and the accompanying Table 2. Additional service and educational facilities will also be included in the new concept. However, as the number of cities continues to rise, fewer open and green areas will remain. There has been a noticeable increase in residential construction and population density, possibly driven by growing demand for homes in the area. Accordingly, the re-subdivision rate in the area hit around 31.58% (Figures 8 and 9).

Table 2. Al-Amir neighbourhood land subdivision and re-subdivision between 2000 and 2023

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Figure 7. Difference in subdivision and re-subdivision in Al-Amir neighborhood in 2000 and 2023

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Figure 8. Al-Amir neighbourhood plan in 2000

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Figure 9. Al-Amir neighbourhood plan in 2023

C. Al-Shurta District

One of Najaf's oldest neighbourhoods. Popularity and closeness to service hubs and the historic city define it. The district features several government and security institutions, as well as residential and commercial establishments, fostering an integrated environment for its citizens. The district has schools, health clinics, and marketplaces, making it a residential-service community. Roads, streets, and public facilities have been developed to meet the needs of residents. The district continues to grow and develop, becoming one of the modern neighbourhood's that reflect the city of Najaf's urban development.

Table 3. Land subdivision and resubdivision in Al-Shurta District in 2000 and 2023

When comparing land re-subdivision between 2000 and 2023 in the Al-Shurta District, as shown in Table 3 and the two maps below, residential areas have witnessed a significant increase in density, indicating clear population growth. The number of spaces allocated for commercial activities has also increased, especially on the main road. Some small commercial areas have been developed into larger, more integrated commercial centers. New service facilities have been established, including health centers, schools, and government institutions. There has also been the emergence of areas designated for youth, sports, and entertainment services. Open spaces have been more systematically distributed than in the past, which has contributed to improved air quality and a local climate. Some older areas have undergone rehabilitation to enhance planning and create a more desirable residential environment. Therefore, the re-subdivision rate in Al-Shurta District is approximately 2.75% (Figures 10-12).

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Figure 10. Difference in the subdivision and re-subdivision in Al-Shurta District between 2000 and 2023

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Figure 11. Al-Shurta District Plan in 2000

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Figure 12. Al-Shurta District Plan in 2023

There is a significant difference between the neighbourhoods in most uses in Tables 6-8, especially: residential, commercial, educational, transportation areas and the number of housing units. This is clear evidence of the urban distortion that occurred through the re-division of the three neighbourhoods, which were based on different densities, and that the distortion affected all types of densities. This highlights the need for expansion and meeting housing demand, particularly by providing public sector-supported housing complexes at prices that all segments of society can afford, as shown in Figures 16-18.

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Figure 16. T-test results in years 2000 and 2023

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Figure 17. ANOVA test results in the year 2000

Table 5. Differences and the ratio of change results in years 2000 and 2023

Table 6. T-test results in years 2000 and 2023

Table 7. ANOVA test results in year 2000

Table 8. ANOVA test results for the year 2023

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Figure 18. ANOVA test results in the year 2023

1. Re-subdivision effectively contributed to accommodating population growth and improving the utilization of residential land.
2. These neighbourhoods have experienced a great influx of commercial and service use, especially along prominent roadways. This is in keeping with the changing needs of the population.
3. The results revealed that re-subdivision was accompanied by major improvements in infrastructure and public services, which in turn improved the quality of life.
4. Gradual decreases in green areas began to be observable as more houses and commercial establishments were developed. This stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between urban development and environmental conservation.
5. The rate of re-subdivision varies greatly across neighbourhoods, with Al-Amir having the highest rate (31.58%), followed by Al-Furat (29.63%). The Al-Shurta neighbourhood had the lowest rate (2.75%), indicating its location and role in minimizing re-subdivision.
6. Re-subdivision is a key concept in contemporary urban planning, according to the research. It redistributes users and improves land use efficiency.
7. For 23 years, changes were observed in the basic urban infrastructure, including housing, education, transportation, and commerce, as indicated by the results of the t-test and variance analysis.
8. The random changes in these neighbourhood's, resulting from the failure to link rezoning to clear urban designs, led to the deterioration of their urban identity.