Analysis of the Effect of Transport Corridors on the Spatial Distribution of Population and Activities in Khorasan-e Razavi Province

Nowadays, transport corridors are considered as significant elements of national economy. On the other hand, due to their role in concentration and distribution of population, they have an undeniable role in the formation of spatial structure of regions. Hence, the aim of this paper is to study the impact of the transport corridors on spatial distribution of population and activity in Khorasan-e Razavi province.
The method of the research is quantitative and its approach is descriptive-analytical. Data have mainly been collected by Statistical Center of Iran through the second sources and spatial analysis of data have been carried out using ArcGIS tools, e.g. GWR, and Geo Da software. The results show that there is a direct and positive relationship between density of transport corridors and spatial distribution of population and industrial activity in the area under the study. In addition, the results indicate that despite various potentials in its development process, Khorasan-e Razavi still follows a polarized and centralized spatial pattern and is clearly seen an excessive concentration of activity and population in the center of the province. Thus, despite a direct relationship between the transport network and population and activity centers, the impact intensity of development corridors on the spatial organization of the area is negligible. However, because of the capabilities of the province at regional and trans-regional levels, the strengthening of axes and growth of centers distant from the provincial capital can result in a decrease in the intensity of concentration and enhancing spatial balance.