Prediction Future Urban Growth and its Impact on the Land Use Using Urban Simulation Models (Greater Irbid Municipality Case Study)

Abstract

The study aims to predict urban growth and its impact on agricultural use and open space in the Greater Municipality of Irbid. The study relied on the urban simulation model, and cellular automation LandUse Sim. The model was tested in two scenarios; the first scenario assumed that: the Greater Municipality of Irbid allowed users to change the land use of Agricultural land to urban. As for the second scenario, assumed that the municipality prevented users from changing the use of agricultural land to urbanuse. The study found that the urban use area increased in the first scenario by 10.7%, while in the second scenario, the urban land area increased by 7.5%. The study recommended the application of strict planning laws that prevent urban growth at the expense of agricultural landsin order to maintain agricultural capabilities.