The impact of topography on the distribution of rural settlements in Duhok Governorate

This study aims to elucidate the impact of topography on the distribution and concentration of rural settlements and populations in Duhok Governorate. It examines the spatial behavior of rural inhabitants, focusing on distribution patterns and population density, and identifies geographical factors influencing this spread. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study classifies Duhok's land into eight units based on USDA's soil conservation methodology, ranging from relatively obstacle-free areas to those with high elevations and steep slopes. Employing analytical and quantitative methods, the study finds an inverse relationship between elevation and settlement distribution; as elevation increases, the number of villages and inhabitants decreases. This trend is evident across different topographical categories.