National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Monitoring chlorophyll in rice fields using Sentinel 2 and UAV images and applying machine learning Monitoring chlorophyll in rice fields using Sentinel 2 and UAV images and applying machine learning 7 27 726162 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2045093.3102 FA َAbdollah Ehsanpour MSc student ,Babol Noshirvani University of technology, Faculty of civil engineering, Babol, Iran 0009-0009-2517-5433 Ebadat Ghanbari Parmehr Assistant professor , Babol Noshirvani University of technology, Faculty of civil engineering, Babol, Iran 0000-0001-9420-6461 Shamim Amini Advisor, Natural resources and watershed management organization, Sari, Iran 0009-0008-4845-7305 Journal Article 2024 11 15 Extended Abstract Introduction This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between vegetation indices and chlorophyll variation at different growth stages of rice fields in northern Iran, employing the latest advancements in remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies. Mineral nutrition plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, significantly influencing the yield and quality of rice crops. Understanding the dynamics of chlorophyll and its spatial distribution is crucial for optimizing fertilization practices, improving crop productivity, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Materials & Methods In this research, a multifaceted approach that combined data from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was utilized, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) imagery equipped with RGB sensors, and ground-based SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) measurements. Sentinel-2 imagery data is known for its high-resolution multispectral capabilities, which allow for detailed monitoring of vegetation health and land use changes over large geographical areas. The satellite's ability to capture multiple spectral bands enhances our capacity to assess various vegetation indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is widely used to evaluate plant health and growth conditions. UAV imagery complements the satellite data by providing high-resolution, fine-scale detail that can be captured at specific times during the crop's growth cycle. The flexibility of UAVs enables targeted data collection, allows monitoring critical growth stages and variations in chlorophyll levels that may not be detectable through satellite imagery alone. By integrating both data sources, it is aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between chlorophyll and vegetation indices across different spatial and temporal dimensions. The primary objective was to develop predictive models for NDVI, a key indicator of vegetation health that correlates closely with chlorophyll concentration and fertilization need in plants. To achieve this, three machine learning algorithms: Random Forest Regression (RFR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Multi-Layer Perceptron Regression (MLPR) was employed. Each algorithm offers unique strengths in handling complex datasets and capturing non-linear relationships, which are common in agronomic data. Results & Discussion The results of analysis indicated that the RFR algorithm outperformed the other two models, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.80 when predicting NDVI from UAV imagery. This strong correlation suggests that RFR effectively captures the intricate relationships between the spectral reflectance values obtained from UAV images and the underlying nutrition content in the rice fields. The high predictive accuracy of the RFR model highlights its potential for practical applications in precision agriculture, where timely and accurate assessments of crop health are essential for informed decision-making. In addition to predicting NDVI, the Kriging spatial interpolation technique was utilized to generate detailed chlorophyll distribution maps based on the SPAD data collected from the field. Kriging is a powerful geostatistical method that allows for optimal estimation of unmeasured locations based on observed data, providing insights into spatial variations in chlorophyll across the rice fields. The generated chlorophyll maps revealed significant correlations with NDVI, confirming that remote sensing techniques can effectively monitor nutrient dynamics and assess the overall health of crops. The findings of this research underscore the potential of integrating UAV and satellite data through machine learning techniques and advanced image processing methods for resource management in agriculture. By providing farmers with precise information regarding chlorophyll levels and vegetation health, these technologies enable more informed decision-making processes. For instance, farmers can optimize fertilization strategies by applying mineral nutrition only where it is needed and in the appropriate amounts, thereby maximizing crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts. The integration of remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies can contribute to broader goals of sustainable agriculture. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food production increases, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources. Conclusion In conclusion, this study illustrates the effective use of remote sensing and machine learning technologies in analyzing the relationship between vegetation indices and chlorophyll variation in rice fields. The successful prediction of NDVI using the RFR algorithm, alongside the generation of chlorophyll distribution maps through Kriging, highlights the potential of these methods to enhance agricultural practices. Further research is needed to explore the applicability of these techniques across different crops and regions, paving the way for broader implementation of precision agriculture strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the role of technology in supporting farmers and promoting efficient resource management. By fostering greater collaboration between researchers, agricultural practitioners, and technology developers, the field of precision agriculture can advance and address the challenges faced by modern farming in a rapidly changing world. Extended Abstract Introduction This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between vegetation indices and chlorophyll variation at different growth stages of rice fields in northern Iran, employing the latest advancements in remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies. Mineral nutrition plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, significantly influencing the yield and quality of rice crops. Understanding the dynamics of chlorophyll and its spatial distribution is crucial for optimizing fertilization practices, improving crop productivity, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Materials & Methods In this research, a multifaceted approach that combined data from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was utilized, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) imagery equipped with RGB sensors, and ground-based SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) measurements. Sentinel-2 imagery data is known for its high-resolution multispectral capabilities, which allow for detailed monitoring of vegetation health and land use changes over large geographical areas. The satellite's ability to capture multiple spectral bands enhances our capacity to assess various vegetation indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is widely used to evaluate plant health and growth conditions. UAV imagery complements the satellite data by providing high-resolution, fine-scale detail that can be captured at specific times during the crop's growth cycle. The flexibility of UAVs enables targeted data collection, allows monitoring critical growth stages and variations in chlorophyll levels that may not be detectable through satellite imagery alone. By integrating both data sources, it is aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between chlorophyll and vegetation indices across different spatial and temporal dimensions. The primary objective was to develop predictive models for NDVI, a key indicator of vegetation health that correlates closely with chlorophyll concentration and fertilization need in plants. To achieve this, three machine learning algorithms: Random Forest Regression (RFR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Multi-Layer Perceptron Regression (MLPR) was employed. Each algorithm offers unique strengths in handling complex datasets and capturing non-linear relationships, which are common in agronomic data. Results & Discussion The results of analysis indicated that the RFR algorithm outperformed the other two models, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.80 when predicting NDVI from UAV imagery. This strong correlation suggests that RFR effectively captures the intricate relationships between the spectral reflectance values obtained from UAV images and the underlying nutrition content in the rice fields. The high predictive accuracy of the RFR model highlights its potential for practical applications in precision agriculture, where timely and accurate assessments of crop health are essential for informed decision-making. In addition to predicting NDVI, the Kriging spatial interpolation technique was utilized to generate detailed chlorophyll distribution maps based on the SPAD data collected from the field. Kriging is a powerful geostatistical method that allows for optimal estimation of unmeasured locations based on observed data, providing insights into spatial variations in chlorophyll across the rice fields. The generated chlorophyll maps revealed significant correlations with NDVI, confirming that remote sensing techniques can effectively monitor nutrient dynamics and assess the overall health of crops. The findings of this research underscore the potential of integrating UAV and satellite data through machine learning techniques and advanced image processing methods for resource management in agriculture. By providing farmers with precise information regarding chlorophyll levels and vegetation health, these technologies enable more informed decision-making processes. For instance, farmers can optimize fertilization strategies by applying mineral nutrition only where it is needed and in the appropriate amounts, thereby maximizing crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts. The integration of remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies can contribute to broader goals of sustainable agriculture. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food production increases, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources. Conclusion In conclusion, this study illustrates the effective use of remote sensing and machine learning technologies in analyzing the relationship between vegetation indices and chlorophyll variation in rice fields. The successful prediction of NDVI using the RFR algorithm, alongside the generation of chlorophyll distribution maps through Kriging, highlights the potential of these methods to enhance agricultural practices. Further research is needed to explore the applicability of these techniques across different crops and regions, paving the way for broader implementation of precision agriculture strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the role of technology in supporting farmers and promoting efficient resource management. By fostering greater collaboration between researchers, agricultural practitioners, and technology developers, the field of precision agriculture can advance and address the challenges faced by modern farming in a rapidly changing world.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_726162_a43a539e85772363b804db5b66aed9e5.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Analysis of variations in surface latent heat flux, Sea surface temperature, and wind speed - Case study: Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal in 2020 Analysis of variations in surface latent heat flux, Sea surface temperature, and wind speed - Case study: Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal in 2020 29 45 732716 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2075229.3158 FA Seyedeh Nastaran Hashemi Ph.D. Student of physical oceanography, Department of atmospheric and oceanographic science (non-biologic), Faculty of marine science and technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran 0000-0002-3544-3974 Mahdi Mohammad Mahdizadeh Associate professor, Department of atmospheric and oceanographic science (non-biologic), Faculty of marine science and technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran 0000-0002-5585-1449 Mohammad Akbarinasab Associate professor, Department of physical oceanography, Faculty of marine and environmental sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran 0000-0003-2187-8798 Journal Article 2025 10 20 Extended Abstract Introduction Tropical cyclones are among the most destructive natural hazards in the North Indian Ocean, particularly in the Bay of Bengal. The intensification of these systems is critically influenced by air-sea interactions, specifically the exchange of surface latent heat flux (SLHF). SLHF represents the heat transfer associated with the phase change of water, exchanged between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. An increase in SLHF correlates with a rise in the number and intensity of cyclone systems, as these systems derive their energy from the ocean. Sea surface temperature (SST) is a crucial indicator that influences climate patterns and significantly affects the development and intensity of tropical cyclones. Given that the Bay of Bengal is prone to the formation of many tropical cyclones, the aim of this study is to investigate the advection of surface latent heat flux, sea surface temperature and wind speed in tropical cyclone Amphan (May 2020) and tropical cyclone Nivar (November 2020). Tropical cyclone Amphan and tropical cyclone Nivar occurred in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The use of reanalysis data to investigate surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed, which play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones, can be significant. Materials and Methods The Bay of Bengal is recognized as one of the world's most active basins for tropical cyclone formation, with two primary seasons for cyclone development: pre-monsoon (March, April, and May) and post-monsoon (October, November, and December). This research focuses on two significant events in 2020: Tropical Cyclone Amphan, which occurred from May 16 to 21 and was classified as a super cyclonic storm, and Tropical Cyclone Nivar, which developed from November 22 to 27 and was categorized as a very severe cyclonic storm by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). To investigate the interaction between SLHF, SST and Wind Speed during these two tropical cyclones, reanalysis data were utilized. SLHF data were obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis, which provides hourly estimates with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°. For SST and wind speed, MERRA-2 reanalysis data were employed, offering a temporal resolution of 1 hour and a spatial resolution of 0.625° × 0.5°. All data were processed and analyzed using Python. The main track positions of the Amphan and Nivar tropical cyclones were extracted from IMD reports and IBTrACS data, and their tracks were mapped using ArcMap. Results and Discussion The analysis of the two tropical cyclones revealed distinct temporal and spatial variations in sea surface temperature (SST), surface latent heat flux (SLHF), and wind speed during their development and intensification stages. Tropical Cyclone Amphan formed on 16 May 2020 under SST values exceeding 30°C, which provided a favorable environment for rapid intensification. SLHF increased sharply from approximately 250 W/m² to more than 300 W/m² and reached values above 400 W/m² on 19 May, coinciding with Amphan’s peak intensity. Wind speeds on 19 May, 15 m/s. Subsequently, as the cyclone approached land, SST decreased, leading to weakening. In contrast, Tropical Cyclone Nivar developed on 22 November 2020 with lower SST values (around 29°C). SLHF exhibited a gradual increase, reaching its maximum (300–400 W/m²) on 25 November. Wind speeds intensified to about 12.5 m/s. Overall, the results demonstrate that pre-monsoon conditions favor stronger heat flux exchange and more intense cyclone development compared to the post-monsoon period. Conclusion This study investigated the interaction between surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed during the evolution of Tropical Cyclone Amphan (pre-monsoon) and Tropical Cyclone Nivar (post-monsoon) in the Bay of Bengal. The results show that pre-monsoon conditions create a more favorable environment for cyclone intensification due to higher SST and stronger heat exchange. During Amphan’s peak on 19 May, SLHF 400 W/m², SST reached about 31°C, and wind speed increased to nearly 15 m/s. In contrast, during Nivar’s peak on 25 November, SLHF ranged between 300 and 400 W/m², SST decreased to 26–29°C, and wind speed reached approximately 12.5 m/s. Overall, the findings of 2020 indicate that the interaction between latent heat flux, sea surface temperature, and wind speed has a time-dependent nature, and the seasonal differences play a significant role in the intensity and evolution of tropical cyclones. This study practically demonstrates that seasonal variations in surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed can enhance the accuracy of tropical cyclone forecasts in the Bay of Bengal. Extended Abstract Introduction Tropical cyclones are among the most destructive natural hazards in the North Indian Ocean, particularly in the Bay of Bengal. The intensification of these systems is critically influenced by air-sea interactions, specifically the exchange of surface latent heat flux (SLHF). SLHF represents the heat transfer associated with the phase change of water, exchanged between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. An increase in SLHF correlates with a rise in the number and intensity of cyclone systems, as these systems derive their energy from the ocean. Sea surface temperature (SST) is a crucial indicator that influences climate patterns and significantly affects the development and intensity of tropical cyclones. Given that the Bay of Bengal is prone to the formation of many tropical cyclones, the aim of this study is to investigate the advection of surface latent heat flux, sea surface temperature and wind speed in tropical cyclone Amphan (May 2020) and tropical cyclone Nivar (November 2020). Tropical cyclone Amphan and tropical cyclone Nivar occurred in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The use of reanalysis data to investigate surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed, which play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones, can be significant. Materials and Methods The Bay of Bengal is recognized as one of the world's most active basins for tropical cyclone formation, with two primary seasons for cyclone development: pre-monsoon (March, April, and May) and post-monsoon (October, November, and December). This research focuses on two significant events in 2020: Tropical Cyclone Amphan, which occurred from May 16 to 21 and was classified as a super cyclonic storm, and Tropical Cyclone Nivar, which developed from November 22 to 27 and was categorized as a very severe cyclonic storm by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). To investigate the interaction between SLHF, SST and Wind Speed during these two tropical cyclones, reanalysis data were utilized. SLHF data were obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis, which provides hourly estimates with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°. For SST and wind speed, MERRA-2 reanalysis data were employed, offering a temporal resolution of 1 hour and a spatial resolution of 0.625° × 0.5°. All data were processed and analyzed using Python. The main track positions of the Amphan and Nivar tropical cyclones were extracted from IMD reports and IBTrACS data, and their tracks were mapped using ArcMap. Results and Discussion The analysis of the two tropical cyclones revealed distinct temporal and spatial variations in sea surface temperature (SST), surface latent heat flux (SLHF), and wind speed during their development and intensification stages. Tropical Cyclone Amphan formed on 16 May 2020 under SST values exceeding 30°C, which provided a favorable environment for rapid intensification. SLHF increased sharply from approximately 250 W/m² to more than 300 W/m² and reached values above 400 W/m² on 19 May, coinciding with Amphan’s peak intensity. Wind speeds on 19 May, 15 m/s. Subsequently, as the cyclone approached land, SST decreased, leading to weakening. In contrast, Tropical Cyclone Nivar developed on 22 November 2020 with lower SST values (around 29°C). SLHF exhibited a gradual increase, reaching its maximum (300–400 W/m²) on 25 November. Wind speeds intensified to about 12.5 m/s. Overall, the results demonstrate that pre-monsoon conditions favor stronger heat flux exchange and more intense cyclone development compared to the post-monsoon period. Conclusion This study investigated the interaction between surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed during the evolution of Tropical Cyclone Amphan (pre-monsoon) and Tropical Cyclone Nivar (post-monsoon) in the Bay of Bengal. The results show that pre-monsoon conditions create a more favorable environment for cyclone intensification due to higher SST and stronger heat exchange. During Amphan’s peak on 19 May, SLHF 400 W/m², SST reached about 31°C, and wind speed increased to nearly 15 m/s. In contrast, during Nivar’s peak on 25 November, SLHF ranged between 300 and 400 W/m², SST decreased to 26–29°C, and wind speed reached approximately 12.5 m/s. Overall, the findings of 2020 indicate that the interaction between latent heat flux, sea surface temperature, and wind speed has a time-dependent nature, and the seasonal differences play a significant role in the intensity and evolution of tropical cyclones. This study practically demonstrates that seasonal variations in surface latent heat flux (SLHF), sea surface temperature (SST), and wind speed can enhance the accuracy of tropical cyclone forecasts in the Bay of Bengal.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_732716_7f41fe9801229548817f1ca67e0c0660.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Automated detection and classification of solar panel defects in UAV imagery using the YOLOv8m model Automated detection and classification of solar panel defects in UAV imagery using the YOLOv8m model 47 75 731384 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2064007.3145 FA Mohammad Amin Safari MSc student , Faculty of engineering and technology ,University of Mazandarn,, Babolsar, Iran 0009-0006-7435-2334 Samira Mavaddati Associate professor, Faculty of engineering and technology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran 0000-0002-8138-1014 Journal Article 2025 06 23 Extended Abstract Introduction: With the rapid global shift toward renewable energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a cornerstone for clean and sustainable power generation. Ensuring the optimal performance and long-term durability of these systems requires effective inspection and maintenance strategies. Solar panels are frequently exposed to harsh environmental factors such as dust, moisture, temperature variations, and mechanical stress, which can lead to various physical defects including cracks, hotspots, delamination, and surface contamination. If left undetected, these defects may significantly compromise the energy output and reduce the economic lifespan of the solar panel infrastructure. Traditional inspection methods, such as manual visual inspection or infrared thermography, are often labor-intensive, expensive, and prone to inaccuracies due to human error and environmental interference. These limitations underscore the need for an automated, accurate, and scalable solution. This research presents a smart defect detection framework based on deep learning, leveraging the cutting-edge YOLOv8m model for accurate and real-time identification of defects in solar panels. In addition, spatial analysis techniques are integrated to investigate the geographic distribution of defects, aiding in the development of targeted and predictive maintenance policies. Materials & Methods: The core of the proposed framework is the YOLOv8m (You Only Look Once version 8, medium variant) model, an advanced object detection architecture optimized for speed, accuracy, and efficiency. YOLOv8m is known for its compact design and superior performance, making it suitable for deployment in real-time monitoring systems. A curated dataset was constructed for training and evaluation, consisting of both colored (RGB) and grayscale images of solar panels collected under various illumination conditions, angles, and environmental settings. The images were annotated to highlight six prevalent types of defects observed in real-world installations: cracks, hot spots, delamination, bird droppings, dirt patches, and broken glass. To improve the model’s robustness and generalization capability, several data augmentation techniques were applied, such as random flipping, rotation, brightness variation, and Gaussian noise injection. Hyperparameter tuning was conducted to optimize learning rates, batch sizes, and anchor box dimensions. The model was trained using a transfer learning approach with pre-trained weights on the COCO dataset and fine-tuned on the specific solar panel defect dataset. Furthermore, to extract spatial insights, the metadata embedded within the image files—such as GPS coordinates and timestamps—was utilized. This data was combined with the defect detection results to perform spatial clustering and distribution mapping using GIS-based tools and statistical analysis techniques. Results & Discussion: The proposed YOLOv8m model achieved impressive results across several performance metrics. The model recorded a mean average accuracy (mAP) of 97.43%, a precision score of 97%, and a recall rate of 97.58% in detecting and classifying the six identified defect types. These values were consistently higher than those of traditional deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), VGG16, and ResNet50, which served as baseline comparisons. Specifically, the YOLOv8m framework demonstrated a relative improvement of 1.5% to 3.5% in detection accuracy over the baseline models, highlighting its effectiveness in handling complex visual scenarios. Qualitative analysis further supported these results, with the YOLOv8m model accurately localizing defects with tight bounding boxes and minimal false positives. The lightweight nature of the architecture enabled near real-time inference on standard GPU hardware, making it viable for deployment in field conditions. The integration of spatial analysis added a novel dimension to the defect detection task. By correlating the defect locations with their geographic coordinates, patterns such as defect clustering in specific panel zones or environmental exposure zones were identified. These patterns suggested that external factors like shading from nearby objects, accumulation of debris, or exposure to extreme weather conditions could contribute to defect formation. Such insights can be used to develop location-specific maintenance protocols or preventive interventions, thereby improving the overall health and longevity of the solar panel infrastructure. Conclusion: This research introduces a comprehensive and scalable framework for intelligent detection of solar panel defects, built on the robust and efficient YOLOv8m architecture. The system not only offers high accuracy and real-time performance but also incorporates spatial intelligence for deeper understanding of defect trends and propagation. Its performance superiority over conventional models and its operational feasibility position it as a powerful tool for smart solar farm management. By facilitating early diagnosis and enabling condition-based maintenance, the proposed framework contributes to reducing operational costs, extending the service life of solar panels, and enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. Moreover, the integration of machine vision and spatial analytics bridges the gap between technical diagnostics and actionable maintenance strategies, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable energy infrastructures. Extended Abstract Introduction: With the rapid global shift toward renewable energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a cornerstone for clean and sustainable power generation. Ensuring the optimal performance and long-term durability of these systems requires effective inspection and maintenance strategies. Solar panels are frequently exposed to harsh environmental factors such as dust, moisture, temperature variations, and mechanical stress, which can lead to various physical defects including cracks, hotspots, delamination, and surface contamination. If left undetected, these defects may significantly compromise the energy output and reduce the economic lifespan of the solar panel infrastructure. Traditional inspection methods, such as manual visual inspection or infrared thermography, are often labor-intensive, expensive, and prone to inaccuracies due to human error and environmental interference. These limitations underscore the need for an automated, accurate, and scalable solution. This research presents a smart defect detection framework based on deep learning, leveraging the cutting-edge YOLOv8m model for accurate and real-time identification of defects in solar panels. In addition, spatial analysis techniques are integrated to investigate the geographic distribution of defects, aiding in the development of targeted and predictive maintenance policies. Materials & Methods: The core of the proposed framework is the YOLOv8m (You Only Look Once version 8, medium variant) model, an advanced object detection architecture optimized for speed, accuracy, and efficiency. YOLOv8m is known for its compact design and superior performance, making it suitable for deployment in real-time monitoring systems. A curated dataset was constructed for training and evaluation, consisting of both colored (RGB) and grayscale images of solar panels collected under various illumination conditions, angles, and environmental settings. The images were annotated to highlight six prevalent types of defects observed in real-world installations: cracks, hot spots, delamination, bird droppings, dirt patches, and broken glass. To improve the model’s robustness and generalization capability, several data augmentation techniques were applied, such as random flipping, rotation, brightness variation, and Gaussian noise injection. Hyperparameter tuning was conducted to optimize learning rates, batch sizes, and anchor box dimensions. The model was trained using a transfer learning approach with pre-trained weights on the COCO dataset and fine-tuned on the specific solar panel defect dataset. Furthermore, to extract spatial insights, the metadata embedded within the image files—such as GPS coordinates and timestamps—was utilized. This data was combined with the defect detection results to perform spatial clustering and distribution mapping using GIS-based tools and statistical analysis techniques. Results & Discussion: The proposed YOLOv8m model achieved impressive results across several performance metrics. The model recorded a mean average accuracy (mAP) of 97.43%, a precision score of 97%, and a recall rate of 97.58% in detecting and classifying the six identified defect types. These values were consistently higher than those of traditional deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), VGG16, and ResNet50, which served as baseline comparisons. Specifically, the YOLOv8m framework demonstrated a relative improvement of 1.5% to 3.5% in detection accuracy over the baseline models, highlighting its effectiveness in handling complex visual scenarios. Qualitative analysis further supported these results, with the YOLOv8m model accurately localizing defects with tight bounding boxes and minimal false positives. The lightweight nature of the architecture enabled near real-time inference on standard GPU hardware, making it viable for deployment in field conditions. The integration of spatial analysis added a novel dimension to the defect detection task. By correlating the defect locations with their geographic coordinates, patterns such as defect clustering in specific panel zones or environmental exposure zones were identified. These patterns suggested that external factors like shading from nearby objects, accumulation of debris, or exposure to extreme weather conditions could contribute to defect formation. Such insights can be used to develop location-specific maintenance protocols or preventive interventions, thereby improving the overall health and longevity of the solar panel infrastructure. Conclusion: This research introduces a comprehensive and scalable framework for intelligent detection of solar panel defects, built on the robust and efficient YOLOv8m architecture. The system not only offers high accuracy and real-time performance but also incorporates spatial intelligence for deeper understanding of defect trends and propagation. Its performance superiority over conventional models and its operational feasibility position it as a powerful tool for smart solar farm management. By facilitating early diagnosis and enabling condition-based maintenance, the proposed framework contributes to reducing operational costs, extending the service life of solar panels, and enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. Moreover, the integration of machine vision and spatial analytics bridges the gap between technical diagnostics and actionable maintenance strategies, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable energy infrastructures.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_731384_6f3f9e2ba73987be0aa580c66f0a54a0.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Identifying urban mass-space configurations using sound level analysis - A case study of Ahvaz City Identifying urban mass-space configurations using sound level analysis - A case study of Ahvaz City 77 95 732719 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2057993.3130 FA Ali Shojaeean Assistant professor, Department of geography and urban planning, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran 0000-0001-6661-7298 Journal Article 2025 04 16 Extended Abstract Introduction The concept of mass-space, defined as the interaction between built environments (mass) and open/public areas (space), plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and livable cities. In industrializing metropolises such as Ahvaz, unplanned urban expansion has intensified noise pollution as an environmental stressor, a issue that has thus far received limited scholarly attention. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study investigates the relationship between urban morphology and sonic ecology, proposing 'sound level' as an effective diagnostic tool for identifying and analyzing mass-space patterns in Ahvaz. As a hub for Iran's oil and gas industries, Ahvaz faces significant noise pollution challenges stemming from heavy traffic, concentrated industrial activity, and deficiencies in urban planning. Through sound mapping and examining its correlation with urban form, this research demonstrates how acoustic data can contribute to more equitable planning, reduced health risks, and the preservation of urban identity. While prior studies have predominantly focused on noise modeling in Western cities, this work addresses a gap in the literature concerning Middle Eastern urban contexts. Materials and Methods This study employed a mixed-methods framework integrating field analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and statistical modeling. Acoustic data were collected at 300 sampling points using a stratified random sampling method and a calibrated KIMO DB100 sound level meter during two peak periods: daytime (9:00 AM) and nighttime (9:00 PM). To generate a city-wide sound level zoning map, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method was applied within ArcGIS software, with the output classified into five qualitative categories. The validity and reliability of the methodology were confirmed via a two-stage verification process: first, evaluation against independent data from 30 control points, which yielded a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.8 dB; and second, calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.91) between the sound level layer and the municipal land-use map, confirming a strong spatial congruence. Results and Discussion The findings indicate that approximately 54% of Ahvaz's area (equivalent to over 11,600 hectares) exceeds the national permissible sound level limits. This figure underscores the considerable scale of the noise pollution problem in this metropolis. The revealed spatial pattern demonstrates a direct correlation with the city's mass-space structure. The primary noise pollution hotspots (with levels of 78-70 dB) are concentrated in the industrial zones of the southeast, heavy-traffic corridors leading to the Karun River bridges, and dense residential-commercial cores. These areas clearly correspond to the city's intensive, high-activity 'mass.' Conversely, zones with the lowest sound levels (43-35 dB) predominantly align with open 'spaces,' including vacant lands, barren areas, and green spaces in the city's west and southwest, highlighting their role as urban respiratory spaces and acoustic buffers. The robust correlation coefficient (0.91) quantitatively confirms that sound level can serve as a reliable proxy indicator for identifying the intensity of human activity and analyzing mass-space configurations. Although this finding aligns with global studies in densely populated cities, the severity of pollution in Ahvaz's industrial areas and the emergence of a pronounced polarized pattern (noisy east versus quiet west) reveal the ineffectiveness of current zoning policies and a distinct spatial inequality that disproportionately affects lower-income residents. Conclusion This study demonstrates that sound level mapping is a powerful, cost-effective, and objective tool for diagnosing spatial inequalities and analyzing the structure of urban mass-space. The findings emphasize the urgent necessity of integrating acoustic considerations into the urban planning, design, and management processes in Ahvaz. Practical solutions are proposed at three levels: at the physical/design level, establishing green belts and buffers as acoustic insulation and revising building regulations; at the macro-policy level, reviewing zoning plans and incorporating noise standards into master documents; and at the managerial level, deploying intelligent monitoring systems and designating quiet urban areas. This research provides a framework for urban planners and designers to utilize acoustic indicators in moving towards the formation of more sustainable, equitable, and higher-quality cities. Extended Abstract Introduction The concept of mass-space, defined as the interaction between built environments (mass) and open/public areas (space), plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and livable cities. In industrializing metropolises such as Ahvaz, unplanned urban expansion has intensified noise pollution as an environmental stressor, a issue that has thus far received limited scholarly attention. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study investigates the relationship between urban morphology and sonic ecology, proposing 'sound level' as an effective diagnostic tool for identifying and analyzing mass-space patterns in Ahvaz. As a hub for Iran's oil and gas industries, Ahvaz faces significant noise pollution challenges stemming from heavy traffic, concentrated industrial activity, and deficiencies in urban planning. Through sound mapping and examining its correlation with urban form, this research demonstrates how acoustic data can contribute to more equitable planning, reduced health risks, and the preservation of urban identity. While prior studies have predominantly focused on noise modeling in Western cities, this work addresses a gap in the literature concerning Middle Eastern urban contexts. Materials and Methods This study employed a mixed-methods framework integrating field analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and statistical modeling. Acoustic data were collected at 300 sampling points using a stratified random sampling method and a calibrated KIMO DB100 sound level meter during two peak periods: daytime (9:00 AM) and nighttime (9:00 PM). To generate a city-wide sound level zoning map, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method was applied within ArcGIS software, with the output classified into five qualitative categories. The validity and reliability of the methodology were confirmed via a two-stage verification process: first, evaluation against independent data from 30 control points, which yielded a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.8 dB; and second, calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.91) between the sound level layer and the municipal land-use map, confirming a strong spatial congruence. Results and Discussion The findings indicate that approximately 54% of Ahvaz's area (equivalent to over 11,600 hectares) exceeds the national permissible sound level limits. This figure underscores the considerable scale of the noise pollution problem in this metropolis. The revealed spatial pattern demonstrates a direct correlation with the city's mass-space structure. The primary noise pollution hotspots (with levels of 78-70 dB) are concentrated in the industrial zones of the southeast, heavy-traffic corridors leading to the Karun River bridges, and dense residential-commercial cores. These areas clearly correspond to the city's intensive, high-activity 'mass.' Conversely, zones with the lowest sound levels (43-35 dB) predominantly align with open 'spaces,' including vacant lands, barren areas, and green spaces in the city's west and southwest, highlighting their role as urban respiratory spaces and acoustic buffers. The robust correlation coefficient (0.91) quantitatively confirms that sound level can serve as a reliable proxy indicator for identifying the intensity of human activity and analyzing mass-space configurations. Although this finding aligns with global studies in densely populated cities, the severity of pollution in Ahvaz's industrial areas and the emergence of a pronounced polarized pattern (noisy east versus quiet west) reveal the ineffectiveness of current zoning policies and a distinct spatial inequality that disproportionately affects lower-income residents. Conclusion This study demonstrates that sound level mapping is a powerful, cost-effective, and objective tool for diagnosing spatial inequalities and analyzing the structure of urban mass-space. The findings emphasize the urgent necessity of integrating acoustic considerations into the urban planning, design, and management processes in Ahvaz. Practical solutions are proposed at three levels: at the physical/design level, establishing green belts and buffers as acoustic insulation and revising building regulations; at the macro-policy level, reviewing zoning plans and incorporating noise standards into master documents; and at the managerial level, deploying intelligent monitoring systems and designating quiet urban areas. This research provides a framework for urban planners and designers to utilize acoustic indicators in moving towards the formation of more sustainable, equitable, and higher-quality cities.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_732719_876b7264db57e63c6c3653bdd7c788dd.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 The study of spatial autocorrelation changes within decades of the annual average snow density in northwest Iran The study of spatial autocorrelation changes within decades of the annual average snow density in northwest Iran 97 121 711278 10.22131/sepehr.2024.2008088.2999 FA Zahra Heydari Monfared Doctoral student of hydrology and meteorology, Zanjan University 0009-0009-2261-2028 Seyed Hossein Mirmousavi Associate professor , Faculty member of Zanjan University 0000-0002-6262-5474 Hossein Asakereh Professor of Zanjan University 0000-0001-7699-0547 Koohzad Raisipour Assistant professor of Zanjan University 0000-0003-1508-9178 Journal Article 2023 08 04 Extended Abstract Introduction: Snow-cover changes and related phenomena (especially depth, snow water equivalent and snow density) have a fundamental role in mountainous environments and strongly affect water availability in downstream areas. In this way, the importance of correct and appropriate analysis is more visible. Due to the fact that most of the rainfall falls in the form of snow in mountainous areas, the management of snow resources in these areas is very important, and knowing the different aspects of variability and geographical patterns governing the phenomenon of snow is a scientific and practical need. It is considered special in water resources and in the agricultural sector. Thus, in the current research, the spatio-temporal patterns governing the annual average of snow density in different decades and the difference of each of the decades compared to the entire time period have been estimated and analyzed using spatial statistics methods. Materials & Methods: The studied area with an area of about 151,771.91 square kilometers is located between 34°44' to 39°25' north latitude from the equator and 44°3' to 49°52' east longitude from the Greenwich meridian. In order to investigate the spatial autocorrelation changes of the average snow density in northwest Iran during the years 1982-2022 from the data obtained from the database of the European Center for Medium-Range Atmospheric Forecasting ECMWF4/ ERA5 based on daily data, and to identify and understand the spatial patterns of density Barf, based on statistical and graphic models have been used in the geographic information system environment. In the study of temporal-spatial changes of the average snow density of the region in different time periods including 4 decades ((1982-1992), (1992-2002), (2002-2012), (2012-2022)) and the whole period of 41 years (2022) -1982)), general Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics were used. Also, in the current research, in order to investigate the effect of changes in Extreme snow precipitation on the amount of snow density in the northwest region, it has been done to determine the snow threshold. In order to estimate snow drift, a threshold was defined. Since the station snowfall amount data has a high dispersion, values above the mean cannot be accurate for defining the threshold of freezing snow. In this way, the 99th percentile index has been used to determine the snow threshold. Results & Discussion: The aim of the current research is to investigate the spatial autocorrelation changes of the annual mean snow density in the northwest of Iran. For this purpose, the annual snow density data during the statistical period of 1982-2022 was obtained from the ECMWF/EAR5 database with a resolution of 0.25 x 0.25 degrees, and then divided into four ten-year periods. In order to analyze spatial autocorrelation changes, global Moran indices and hot spot analysis (Gettys-RDJ) were used at the significance level of 90, 95 and 99%. Also, in order to investigate the effect of extreme precipitation on changes in the level of snow density, the 99th percentile statistical index was used, and based on this index, the freezing threshold of each synoptic station in the region was determined during the last decade (2012-2022) and the interval the entire statistical period (1982-2002) was carried out. The results of the present research showed that in the studied area, snow density has spatial autocorrelation and a strong cluster pattern. With a density threshold less than 0.10 kg/m3, from the first decade to the end of the fourth decade, the area (number of pixels) and the amount of snow density in the northwest have decreased. The results of the analysis of the changes in precipitation in the 99th percentile showed that the amount of this type of precipitation has increased significantly during the last decade of the study, and this has caused the snow density to increase relatively in the last decade compared to the first to third decades. However, in general, the amount of snow density in the entire northwest area has significantly decreased during the last four decades. Conclusion: The evaluation of the temporal changes of snow density also strengthened the hypothesis of the occurrence of freezing snow precipitation leading to an increase in snow density in the months of cold seasons during the last decade. This point was confirmed by examining the statistical index of the 99th percentile of snowy days of each synoptic station in the region during the last decade (2009-2018) compared to the entire period of station statistics (2000-2018). The results of the analysis of the changes in precipitation in the 99th percentile showed that the amount of this type of precipitation has increased significantly in the last decade of the study and this has caused the snow density in the last decade to increase relatively compared to the first to third decades. However, in general, the amount of snow density in the entire northwest area has decreased significantly during the last four decades. Moran's statistic was used to explain the pattern governing snow density in northwest Iran. The results of Moran's index about the annual average of snow density showed that the values related to different time periods have a positive coefficient and are close to one, which indicates that the snow density data has spatial autocorrelation and has a cluster pattern. Also, the results of standard Z score and P-value confirmed the cluster significance of the spatial distribution of snow density in the northwest. Finally, the analysis of hot spots has been a clear confirmation of the continuation of concentration and clustering of snow density in northwest Iran in space with the increase of the time period, which mountainous areas have the first rank in the formation of hot clusters with a probability of 99%. have given. Extended Abstract Introduction: Snow-cover changes and related phenomena (especially depth, snow water equivalent and snow density) have a fundamental role in mountainous environments and strongly affect water availability in downstream areas. In this way, the importance of correct and appropriate analysis is more visible. Due to the fact that most of the rainfall falls in the form of snow in mountainous areas, the management of snow resources in these areas is very important, and knowing the different aspects of variability and geographical patterns governing the phenomenon of snow is a scientific and practical need. It is considered special in water resources and in the agricultural sector. Thus, in the current research, the spatio-temporal patterns governing the annual average of snow density in different decades and the difference of each of the decades compared to the entire time period have been estimated and analyzed using spatial statistics methods. Materials & Methods: The studied area with an area of about 151,771.91 square kilometers is located between 34°44' to 39°25' north latitude from the equator and 44°3' to 49°52' east longitude from the Greenwich meridian. In order to investigate the spatial autocorrelation changes of the average snow density in northwest Iran during the years 1982-2022 from the data obtained from the database of the European Center for Medium-Range Atmospheric Forecasting ECMWF4/ ERA5 based on daily data, and to identify and understand the spatial patterns of density Barf, based on statistical and graphic models have been used in the geographic information system environment. In the study of temporal-spatial changes of the average snow density of the region in different time periods including 4 decades ((1982-1992), (1992-2002), (2002-2012), (2012-2022)) and the whole period of 41 years (2022) -1982)), general Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics were used. Also, in the current research, in order to investigate the effect of changes in Extreme snow precipitation on the amount of snow density in the northwest region, it has been done to determine the snow threshold. In order to estimate snow drift, a threshold was defined. Since the station snowfall amount data has a high dispersion, values above the mean cannot be accurate for defining the threshold of freezing snow. In this way, the 99th percentile index has been used to determine the snow threshold. Results & Discussion: The aim of the current research is to investigate the spatial autocorrelation changes of the annual mean snow density in the northwest of Iran. For this purpose, the annual snow density data during the statistical period of 1982-2022 was obtained from the ECMWF/EAR5 database with a resolution of 0.25 x 0.25 degrees, and then divided into four ten-year periods. In order to analyze spatial autocorrelation changes, global Moran indices and hot spot analysis (Gettys-RDJ) were used at the significance level of 90, 95 and 99%. Also, in order to investigate the effect of extreme precipitation on changes in the level of snow density, the 99th percentile statistical index was used, and based on this index, the freezing threshold of each synoptic station in the region was determined during the last decade (2012-2022) and the interval the entire statistical period (1982-2002) was carried out. The results of the present research showed that in the studied area, snow density has spatial autocorrelation and a strong cluster pattern. With a density threshold less than 0.10 kg/m3, from the first decade to the end of the fourth decade, the area (number of pixels) and the amount of snow density in the northwest have decreased. The results of the analysis of the changes in precipitation in the 99th percentile showed that the amount of this type of precipitation has increased significantly during the last decade of the study, and this has caused the snow density to increase relatively in the last decade compared to the first to third decades. However, in general, the amount of snow density in the entire northwest area has significantly decreased during the last four decades. Conclusion: The evaluation of the temporal changes of snow density also strengthened the hypothesis of the occurrence of freezing snow precipitation leading to an increase in snow density in the months of cold seasons during the last decade. This point was confirmed by examining the statistical index of the 99th percentile of snowy days of each synoptic station in the region during the last decade (2009-2018) compared to the entire period of station statistics (2000-2018). The results of the analysis of the changes in precipitation in the 99th percentile showed that the amount of this type of precipitation has increased significantly in the last decade of the study and this has caused the snow density in the last decade to increase relatively compared to the first to third decades. However, in general, the amount of snow density in the entire northwest area has decreased significantly during the last four decades. Moran's statistic was used to explain the pattern governing snow density in northwest Iran. The results of Moran's index about the annual average of snow density showed that the values related to different time periods have a positive coefficient and are close to one, which indicates that the snow density data has spatial autocorrelation and has a cluster pattern. Also, the results of standard Z score and P-value confirmed the cluster significance of the spatial distribution of snow density in the northwest. Finally, the analysis of hot spots has been a clear confirmation of the continuation of concentration and clustering of snow density in northwest Iran in space with the increase of the time period, which mountainous areas have the first rank in the formation of hot clusters with a probability of 99%. have given.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_711278_df18c852f2948fe4385c7cf65e4c3cb8.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Morphometric parameters analysis of watersheds for flood susceptibility zoning (Case study: Kebar-Fordo watershed) Morphometric parameters analysis of watersheds for flood susceptibility zoning (Case study: Kebar-Fordo watershed) 123 138 731292 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2052188.3119 FA Elham Forootan Assistant professor, Department of agriculture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-4966-9659 Journal Article 2025 02 15 Extended Abstract Introduction Flooding as a natural hazard usually takes place in many parts of the world and could be a serious threat to the population and environment of the occurring places. So, analyzing the flooding sensitivity is essential for preventing and reducing future hazardous events in each watershed. Therefore, the following objectives are considered in this study: (a) Determining the sensitivity to flooding of sub-watershed based on some morphometric parameters. (b) Calculating the flood peak discharge in each sub-watershed using Rational method. (c) Investigating the relationship between the flooding sub-watershed rank with respect to morphometric parameters and the estimated rank based on the Rational method. Materials & Methods In this study, extracting drainage network and 33 sub-watershed in Kebar-Fordo watershed located in Qom province with an area of 128372 hectares were performed by employing Arc Hydro tool in Arc-GIS environment. Then, six different morphometric parameters which affect flood occurrence were calculated. After that, flood sensitivity maps were prepared based on each morphometric parameters while each sub-watershed rank was determined. Finally the total rank of each watershed was estimated by averaging the whole ranks. Due to the lack of adequate observed flood peak discharge values, Rational method was applied to calculate the maximum flood discharge in each sub-watershed. Then Spearman correlation test in SPSS was used to calculate the correlation between the morphometric variable ranks and flood sensitivity of the Rational method. Results & Discussion In this study, the main stream length ranking shows that five sub-watersheds 1, 5, 15, 20, and 28 are more susceptible to flooding. The watershed slope ranking indicate that sub-watersheds 20, 22, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are more sensitive to flooding. Based on the roughness number, nine sub-watersheds have a flood sensitivity ranking of more than 3. The total basin relief parameter, which presents the height difference between the highest point and the outlet of the watershed, determines the runoff potential of a basin. The total roughness in sub-watersheds 31, 32, and 33 is higher than 3, which is evidence of flooding in these sub-watersheds. The mean elevation rank also indicates that watersheds 18, 20, 28, 29, 30, 32, and 33 are prone to flooding with a rank greater than 3. The basin perimeter is one of the effective parameters in runoff production. In this study, sub-watersheds 20, 15, 5, 1, and 28 have flood sensitivity ranks greater than 3. The flood susceptibility map of the studied area based on the average rank of the total morphometric parameters shows that the areas with high, medium, low and very low susceptibility classes include 0.49%, 47.79%, 42.87% and 8.85% of the area, respectively. This map shows that sub-watersheds 32, 31 and 33 are the most susceptible areas to flooding. The rank of slope, roughness number, and total basin relief in sub-watershed 32, is higher than 4, which shows that higher elevations and also greater slope lead to less surface infiltration, more overland flow, and therefore higher peak runoff in this sub-watershed. The calculation of the maximum discharge based on Rational method indicates that the flood ranking which is more than 3, could be seen only in sub-watershed 20 whereas, the values less than 3 could be observed in the rest of the sub-watersheds. Also, the Spearman correlation test shows that the relationship between the flood sensitivity rank of Rational method with the parameters of the perimeter and the stream length is significant at the 99% confidence level and the correlation coefficients are 0.898 and 0.784, while its relationship with the parameters of mean elevation, roughness number, total basin relief and slope is not significant. Also, the correlation coefficient between the flood sensitivity ranks of Rational method and the average flood rank of the morphometric parameters is 0.601 which is significant at the confidence level and indicates a positive relationship between these ranks. Conclusion This research could be conducted by considering the effect of other parameters, such as land use, flood management practices in each drainage basin, and hydraulic structures along the major streams and rivers. The present study demonstrated that morphometric analysis could be used at different scales to help decision makers for understanding the spatial distribution of flood risk and formulating flood control strategies to minimize its negative impacts on residents and infrastructure, and also, proposed a model for continuously updating the flood mitigation plan for the study area. Extended Abstract Introduction Flooding as a natural hazard usually takes place in many parts of the world and could be a serious threat to the population and environment of the occurring places. So, analyzing the flooding sensitivity is essential for preventing and reducing future hazardous events in each watershed. Therefore, the following objectives are considered in this study: (a) Determining the sensitivity to flooding of sub-watershed based on some morphometric parameters. (b) Calculating the flood peak discharge in each sub-watershed using Rational method. (c) Investigating the relationship between the flooding sub-watershed rank with respect to morphometric parameters and the estimated rank based on the Rational method. Materials & Methods In this study, extracting drainage network and 33 sub-watershed in Kebar-Fordo watershed located in Qom province with an area of 128372 hectares were performed by employing Arc Hydro tool in Arc-GIS environment. Then, six different morphometric parameters which affect flood occurrence were calculated. After that, flood sensitivity maps were prepared based on each morphometric parameters while each sub-watershed rank was determined. Finally the total rank of each watershed was estimated by averaging the whole ranks. Due to the lack of adequate observed flood peak discharge values, Rational method was applied to calculate the maximum flood discharge in each sub-watershed. Then Spearman correlation test in SPSS was used to calculate the correlation between the morphometric variable ranks and flood sensitivity of the Rational method. Results & Discussion In this study, the main stream length ranking shows that five sub-watersheds 1, 5, 15, 20, and 28 are more susceptible to flooding. The watershed slope ranking indicate that sub-watersheds 20, 22, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are more sensitive to flooding. Based on the roughness number, nine sub-watersheds have a flood sensitivity ranking of more than 3. The total basin relief parameter, which presents the height difference between the highest point and the outlet of the watershed, determines the runoff potential of a basin. The total roughness in sub-watersheds 31, 32, and 33 is higher than 3, which is evidence of flooding in these sub-watersheds. The mean elevation rank also indicates that watersheds 18, 20, 28, 29, 30, 32, and 33 are prone to flooding with a rank greater than 3. The basin perimeter is one of the effective parameters in runoff production. In this study, sub-watersheds 20, 15, 5, 1, and 28 have flood sensitivity ranks greater than 3. The flood susceptibility map of the studied area based on the average rank of the total morphometric parameters shows that the areas with high, medium, low and very low susceptibility classes include 0.49%, 47.79%, 42.87% and 8.85% of the area, respectively. This map shows that sub-watersheds 32, 31 and 33 are the most susceptible areas to flooding. The rank of slope, roughness number, and total basin relief in sub-watershed 32, is higher than 4, which shows that higher elevations and also greater slope lead to less surface infiltration, more overland flow, and therefore higher peak runoff in this sub-watershed. The calculation of the maximum discharge based on Rational method indicates that the flood ranking which is more than 3, could be seen only in sub-watershed 20 whereas, the values less than 3 could be observed in the rest of the sub-watersheds. Also, the Spearman correlation test shows that the relationship between the flood sensitivity rank of Rational method with the parameters of the perimeter and the stream length is significant at the 99% confidence level and the correlation coefficients are 0.898 and 0.784, while its relationship with the parameters of mean elevation, roughness number, total basin relief and slope is not significant. Also, the correlation coefficient between the flood sensitivity ranks of Rational method and the average flood rank of the morphometric parameters is 0.601 which is significant at the confidence level and indicates a positive relationship between these ranks. Conclusion This research could be conducted by considering the effect of other parameters, such as land use, flood management practices in each drainage basin, and hydraulic structures along the major streams and rivers. The present study demonstrated that morphometric analysis could be used at different scales to help decision makers for understanding the spatial distribution of flood risk and formulating flood control strategies to minimize its negative impacts on residents and infrastructure, and also, proposed a model for continuously updating the flood mitigation plan for the study area.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_731292_cd534595a55084ee25a3563240e8e68c.pdf

National Geographical Organization Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR) 2588-3860 34 136 2026 02 20 Analysis of the impact of emerging technologies on smart city development Analysis of the impact of emerging technologies on smart city development 139 156 732478 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2057964.3135 FA Ali Davari , Associate professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-3304-8970 Golnaz Hajimoradi Instructor, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran 0009-0006-6292-6222 Taraneh Farrokhmanesh Assistant professor , Faculty of family sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-7517-1483 Amin Farahani Ph.D. Student in entrepreneurship, Faculty of entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 0000-0003-4647-2540 Journal Article 2025 05 19 Extended Abstract Introduction Smart cities have emerged as an innovative solution for optimal resource management and improving the quality of life. They leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and 5G networks to optimize urban services, enhance efficiency, and ensure more equitable resource distribution, thereby reducing spatial inequalities. The main objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the most significant emerging technologies affecting smart city development and to analyze the level of expert consensus regarding their importance and adoption feasibility in urban management. Materials and Methods This research is applied in nature and follows a descriptive-analytical approach. A two-round fuzzy Delphi method was implemented: initially, questionnaires were distributed to 30 experts in urban technologies, and the collected data were analyzed. Subsequently, the coefficient of variation and fuzzy techniques were used to assess and consolidate the level of expert agreement. Findings and Discussion The findings indicate that AI and big data achieved the highest consensus and positive impact on improving urban decision-making, optimizing energy consumption, and enhancing service quality. Although IoT has high potential, it faces challenges due to the lack of unified technical standards and insufficient security infrastructure, which placed some IoT-related indicators at the threshold of acceptance. Meanwhile, 5G, as a key communication infrastructure, plays a crucial role in crisis management, intelligent transportation, and remote healthcare services. Conclusion These results highlight that realizing smart cities requires the standardization of IoT, the development of 5G infrastructure, and strategic investment in emerging technologies. Future research is recommended to adopt a systematic and comparative approach, focusing on technology localization, tailored policy frameworks, and exploring the social and cultural dimensions of technology implementation in diverse urban contexts. Extended Abstract Introduction Smart cities have emerged as an innovative solution for optimal resource management and improving the quality of life. They leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and 5G networks to optimize urban services, enhance efficiency, and ensure more equitable resource distribution, thereby reducing spatial inequalities. The main objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the most significant emerging technologies affecting smart city development and to analyze the level of expert consensus regarding their importance and adoption feasibility in urban management. Materials and Methods This research is applied in nature and follows a descriptive-analytical approach. A two-round fuzzy Delphi method was implemented: initially, questionnaires were distributed to 30 experts in urban technologies, and the collected data were analyzed. Subsequently, the coefficient of variation and fuzzy techniques were used to assess and consolidate the level of expert agreement. Findings and Discussion The findings indicate that AI and big data achieved the highest consensus and positive impact on improving urban decision-making, optimizing energy consumption, and enhancing service quality. Although IoT has high potential, it faces challenges due to the lack of unified technical standards and insufficient security infrastructure, which placed some IoT-related indicators at the threshold of acceptance. Meanwhile, 5G, as a key communication infrastructure, plays a crucial role in crisis management, intelligent transportation, and remote healthcare services. Conclusion These results highlight that realizing smart cities requires the standardization of IoT, the development of 5G infrastructure, and strategic investment in emerging technologies. Future research is recommended to adopt a systematic and comparative approach, focusing on technology localization, tailored policy frameworks, and exploring the social and cultural dimensions of technology implementation in diverse urban contexts.

https://www.sepehr.org/article_732478_0fb3b4f06fa5a829e590b64ed1a2ef91.pdf