محمدعلی اشتری جعفری

This thesis explores the institutional obstacles and capacities of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) application in the control of land-use changes, focusing on a case study of Damavand County. The research aims to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of ICT in land-use management and provide recommendations for improving its effectiveness.

The study begins with an introduction that highlights the significance of land-use changes and the role of ICT in managing them. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the institutional factors that influence the successful application of ICT in land-use control. Damavand County is introduced as the case study area, providing a specific context for the research.

A comprehensive literature review is conducted to explore existing studies on land-use changes, ICT applications, and their intersection. The review identifies the institutional obstacles and capacities related to ICT application in land-use control. It also examines relevant theories and frameworks that support the research.

The methodology section describes the research design and approach used in the study. Data collection methods, such as remote sensing, spatial modeling, and analysis of land surface deformation, are explained. These methods are justified as suitable for studying land-use changes in Damavand County.

The results and analysis section presents the findings of the research. It includes an analysis of land use and land cover changes in Damavand County during the specified period. The data is analyzed to identify the institutional obstacles and capacities of ICT application in controlling land-use changes. Statistical methods and visualizations are used to support the analysis.

The discussion section interprets the results and discusses their implications. It compares the findings with previous studies and theories, highlighting the potential reasons behind the identified institutional obstacles and capacities. The section explores the implications of these obstacles and capacities for land-use management in Damavand County.

In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings of the research and emphasizes its implications and contributions. Recommendations are provided for improving the institutional capacities and overcoming the obstacles in ICT application for land-use control. The potential for future research in this area is also discussed.

Overall, this thesis contributes to the understanding of the institutional obstacles and capacities of ICT application in the control of land-use changes. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban managers, and researchers interested in leveraging ICT for effective land-use management.

Key words: land use change; Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Institutional approach; information governance; Process analysis; Sustainable Development; The process of land use change; Spatial analysis; Content analysis ;Damavand Co