Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Ontology of Informal Settlements in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Geospatial Intelligence(Curtin University, 2024-05) Alrasheedi, Khlood Ghalib; Dewan, Ashraf; El-Mowafy, AhmedAny management policies developed for managing the urban growth of a city, and to ensure the sustainability of that growth into the future, must understand the spatial distribution of informal settlements found within the city boundaries. These settlement types can be found in a large number of metropolitan areas around the world. Accurate identification requires an understanding of the various characteristics which tend to be associated with these settlement areas, including the types of materials used in building construction and the unique street patterns found within the settlement neighbourhoods. Due to the dynamic nature of these settlements, however, the existence of a universally-accepted framework which can be used to define and map these areas is lacking. This study aims to integrate local knowledge, remote sensing data, and machine learning to investigate and develop an informal settlements ontology for use within the Arabian Peninsular region. Information used included very high to medium resolution satellite images, field surveys, expert opinion regarding local conditions, and a wide range of geographic data. Object-based image analysis (OBIA), machine learning methods such as random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM), expert knowledge, and various geographic datasets were employed to identify the distribution of informal settlements over time and space within Riyadh, the capital city of Saudia Arabia. Many variations in settlement character can be found, so the development of a local ontology of informal settlements (LOIS) has been proposed. The major findings of the current work are: (i) the inclusion of local expert knowledge (EK) about the various spatial, spectral and textural image attributes identified, can enhance the identification of informal settlements over time and space; (ii) a combination of OBIA-RF and OBIA-SVM, augmented by local knowledge, can improve the image-based classification of informal settlements, and; (iii) the approach taken, involving the selection of thirty unique geospatial indicators, was found to be very useful in the study of informal settlements over time, particularly when processing the very high and medium resolution satellite images in tandem with the Landtrend tool. The efficacy of the proposed approach, in regards detailing the spatiotemporal growth of identified areas, was shown by the accuracy of the mapping result outputs. The findings of this work may prove to be of value to urban planners and decision-makers when designing and constructing new infrastructure (roads, water, and energy plants), and when assessing the potential for any adverse environmental, social, or financial impacts associated with informal settlements - specifically within the Arabian Peninsula, but also in other regions of the world with similar characteristics.154 0Item Restricted Equity in Health: Analysing the Accessibility of Australia's Tertiary Public and Private Healthcare(The University of Western Australia, 2026-01-01) azeem, Mazen Ba; Kruger, Estie; Tennant, MarcThis thesis undertakes an exhaustive analysis of tertiary healthcare accessibility in Australia, juxtaposing public and private sector distribution against the backdrop of the socio-economic landscape. It critically assesses healthcare services availability, particularly during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs geospatial analysis and GIS mapping to evaluate the socioeconomic status of the population residing near the facilities, location and accessibility of Emergency Departments (EDs) in tertiary public and private healthcare facilities across the country and explore their readiness in the face of potential pandemics. The socio-economic variables within different buffer zones are scrutinised to reveal the impact on healthcare access during the health crisis. By integrating Australian experiences during COVID-19, the research highlights the variances in healthcare accessibility, accentuating the strains on hospitals with EDs and the innovative implementation of field centres in high-density regions to counteract service gaps. The thesis also discusses the socioeconomic determinants that exacerbate disparities in healthcare provision, offering insights into the stratification of health equity. The findings suggest that, despite Australia's robust healthcare system, critical areas require strategic enhancement to ensure preparedness for future pandemics. Recommendations include the need to address healthcare inequalities and improve service accessibility in Australia’s urban, rural and remote areas, as well as the establishment of temporary healthcare facilities in strategically identified locations to bolster the resilience of healthcare infrastructure. The conclusions drawn herein provide a pathway for policymakers to fortify healthcare systems against the backdrop of socio-economic disparities, aiming for an equitable distribution of healthcare resources.37 0Item Restricted Harnessing Hydrological and Hydrodynamic Models for Effective Flood Control and Water Supply in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia(University of Adelaide, 2024-06-12) Alharbi, Obaid; Leonard, MichaelThis study addresses the geographic and environmental challenges of floodwater management in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. It aims to estimate the amount of water that could be stored and utilized through considering different dam heights. The methodology involves determining optimal dam heights, estimating catchment areas using GIS tools, and running hydrological simulations through HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS software. Results of this study indicate that a dam height of 10.0 meters is most effective for flood control and water storage compared to other models as it will be able to provide an approximately 7.64 million cubic meters of storage capacity. The accompanying data calculates that 6,536,008 individuals could be served by the water supply storage, translating to approximately 217,867 individuals per month, representing about 5.37% of Jeddah's total population as of 2020. Assuming these values for all dams in Jeddah, the water supply could support about 40% of individuals per month. This approach would be useful in mitigating flood risks and offering a supplementary water source for desalination. The findings suggest that constructing higher dams could improve flood management and water supply in Jeddah. Accordingly, future research should validate these results with extensive data and assess the economic feasibility of desalination plants.52 0Item Restricted GIS-Based Modeling of Shallow Groundwater Potential in Arid Regions under changing Climate and Future Water Demands: a case study of Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.(University of York, 2024-06-14) Alharbi, Ohood; McClean, Colin; Sakai, MarcoInvestigating water resources in arid regions is essential for managing water scarcity's unique challenges in these environments. GIS and remote sensing approaches have been applied here to model and analyse three main aspects: mapping potential groundwater zones, assessing climate change impacts, and examining future water needs under socio-economic scenarios. A fuzzy-frequency ratio model and a logistic regression model successfully delineated the potential groundwater zones. An ensemble of models performed well (Best model AUC = 0.943). Soil type was the most important factor in driving both models. The spatial distribution of very high potential groundwater areas in Al-Madinah is primarily compatible with volcanic lava areas with Lithosols and Calcic Yermosols soils. Assessing climate change under IPCC RCPs scenarios (2021-2100, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) revealed that the temperature and Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) rate of Al-Madinah is expected to continue to increase although rainfall may also increase by around 18.74% or 22.81 mm (2081-2100, RCP8.5) compared to 1970-2018. Such an increase might not have a pronounced effect on enhancing groundwater availability due to raising temperature (2°C) and ET0 (359.70 mm) with a higher probability of drought events indicated by the Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Increases with higher water accumulation opportunities are predicted at 2081-2100 (RCP8.5). However, changes in potential groundwater zones using the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) weighted by Rainfall are expected to show a small quantitative increase with the greatest addition of suitable potential zones also estimated for 2081-2100 under RCP8.5 (logistic regression = 19296km²) Analysing water needs in Al-Madinah city under the Impact of Population, Affluence, and Technology (IPAT) model confirmed that population was the most important factor in explaining water consumption trends. Water demand is projected to increase by up to 28% under IPCC_ SSP scenarios. These findings should aid in developing water resources management strategies and sustainable decision-making.34 0Item Restricted A Digital Record System for Heritage Buildings in Saudi Arabia(Lancaster University, 2024) Albouraee, Walaa; Walker, Stuart; Cureton, PaulIn this research, an approach for creating a holistic digital record system that integrates information about the tangible (physical: dimensions, materials) and intangible (cultural: methods, skills, history) aspects of heritage buildings in Saudi Arabia is presented. Many heritage buildings in Saudi Arabia are in poor condition due to negligence and lack of conservation (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2020), and the lack of scientific research focusing on the digital recording of heritage buildings' information exposes them to loss. Research, application, and experiments in digital recording of heritage buildings are needed in Saudi Arabia. So, the purpose of this research is to establish a framework to improve the recording process of heritage buildings' data, conserve and promote Saudi's Islamic, Arab, and National heritage locally and internationally, and support Saudi's Vision 2030 in developing recording and scientific research in the field of national heritage (Vision2030.gov.sa, 2020, pp. 2-54). The aim is to establish a new framework for the intense digitalization of heritage buildings in Saudi Arabia as part of a holistic digital platform for voluntary public records. Such a framework and platform are supported through a pragmatic research approach and the use of mixed research methods considering novel fieldwork techniques: laser scanning and digital photogrammetry in combination with documentary research acquired from governmental and private parties. The framework findings resulted in the most holistic digital record system generated in Saudi Arabia recording intangible and tangible information by utilising several digital recording methods, integrating different recording systems, and saving and disseminating the data digitally in an open-access platform. The delivery of this system and the resulting published information highlights the essential research needed regarding technology practical application and system accuracy between Historic Building Information Modelling Systems (HBIMs) and Geographic Information systems (GISs) and developing training skills strategies in using technical tools, data accessibility, acquisition, and processing, and stakeholder interactions with platforms for digital documentation and dissemination, and future management and decision-making.45 0Item Restricted Spatial analysis of land use patterns from the planning side using GIS technologies, and a realistic assessment of land use for the city of Riyadh.(University of Liecester, 2024-03-01) Hakami, Thamer; Johnson, SarahThis study delves into a comprehensive examination relating to the dynamic Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns of Riyadh Metropolitan, utilizing Landsat 8 and 9 satellite data to conduct a thorough analysis spanning the years 2013, 2018, and 2023. Riyadh, which is the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is emblematic of fast growing urbanization combined with developmental shifts, and this research seeks to unravel the intricacies of its evolving landscape. Urban expansion dynamics, a focal point of the study, are meticulously examined for each five-year interval from 2013 to 2018 and from 2018 to 2023. The study delves into a comprehensive analysis of the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) areas in Riyadh Metropolitan, meticulously examining seven key classes—Water, Built-Up, Roads, Sandy Soil, Bare Soil, Rocky Soil, and Vegetation—over the years 2013, 2018, and 2023. In 2013, the LULC composition revealed distinct areas, with highlights including 21074.76 hectares of Water, 104062.5 hectares of Built-Up, and 24842.61 hectares of Roads, indicative of the city's diverse environmental characteristics. The subsequent year, 2018, witnessed shifts reflective of urban expansion, with 3145.86 hectares of Water, 125339.3 hectares of Built-Up, and 14900.31 hectares of Roads. Fast forward to 2023, further transformations unfolded, exemplified by 4889.16 hectares of Water, 126858.2 hectares of Built-Up, and 19810.35 hectares of Roads, showcasing the city's dynamic growth and changing landscape. Ensuring the reliability of the LULC classification is a critical aspect of the study, and an accuracy assessment approach provides a quantitative measure of the classification model's precision. In 2013, the classification exhibited an impressive overall accuracy of 94.04%, with User's Accuracy ranging from 77.27% (Roads) to 100% (Vegetation). The Kappa Coefficient, a statistical metric for assessing agreement, reached a remarkable value of 0.92, confirming the 3 model's correctness over that specific time frame. The accuracy measures in 2018 showed consistent and improved performance, with a high Kappa Coefficient of 0.94. In 2023, the classification model demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving an overall accuracy of 94.21% and a Kappa Coefficient of 0.9242. The accuracy assessments highlight the dependability and consistency of the classification model, establishing trust in the study's findings and their implications for urban planning and environmental management in Riyadh. Keywords: LULC, Change Detection, Urbanization, LULC Dynamics.33 0Item Restricted Seafloor Classification and Marine Geohazards in the Coastal and Offshore Areas by Using Acoustic Techniques(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-01) Alqahtani, Ghazi Hussain Ali; Nanlal, CassandraIn tectonically active areas like the southern Red Sea, neotectonics plays a significant role in regulating the evolution of landforms. The Farasan Islands' fluvial systems have also been extensively impacted. In 2015, a high-resolution marine geophysical study was conducted in the southern Red Sea. It provided the first acoustic imaging of the sea floor across the Farasan Islands. The availability of such data enables the development of a 1-m digital terrain model for the area. The current study develops and proposes a method for reliably using digital terrain models generated using high-resolution marine acoustic methods to identify tectonic processes from geomorphology for the seafloor throughout the Farasan Islands. The drainage system and geomorphic conditions of the area have been severely impacted by tectonic activity. In light of structural geology, tectonics, and geomorphology, morphometric features of the seafloor across the Farasan Islands represented by digital terrain models will be retrieved, characterised, and interpreted. We describe a technique for calculating the index of relative active tectonics (IRAT), which is based on geomorphic indices obtained from digital terrain models of the seafloor beneath the Farasamn Islands and is useful for assessing topography and morphology. The five geomorphic indices that make up the basis of the current study are amplitude relief (Ar), the corresponding slope and aspect, the topographic wetness index (TWI), the terrain ruggedness index (TRI), the topographic position index (TPI), the slope-length gradient factor (LS-factor), and the stream power index (SPI). To identify relative tectonic activity within the plotted area, all indices were used. All the estimations were obtained using drainages and watershed basins extracted from the digital terrain models of the seafloor across the Farasan Islands in the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Based on the developed 1-m-resolution digital terrain models from the bathymetry of the seafloor across the Farasan Islands, drainage basins were extracted, and relative active tectonic geomorphic indices were estimated using the ArcGIS and SAGA-GIS software. The majority of the geomorphic indices were divided into five classes, and the relative ratios were arranged. For each class, the ratio of the number of drainage basins to the number of watershed basins for each geomorphic index was calculated and evaluated. The index of relative active tectonics (IRAT) was derived using the indexes' average class values. For each class of IRAT, the ratio between the number of drainage basins and watershed basins was calculated. The IRAT classifications were then used to define the probable risk level. Finally, the combined effect of the probable risk level and occurrence frequency of the morphotectonic feature was used to determine the active tectonic danger for each drainage basin. The findings demonstrated a strong correlation between IRAT classes and the ratio of morphotectonic valleys to drainage basins. On the sea bottom of the Farasan Islands, about 37% of the drainage basins with occured morphotectonic valleys are at a high-risk level, while 43% of the drainage basins without occured morphotectonic valleys are at a low-risk level. The remaining portion of the Farasan Islands' seafloor is regarded as having a medium risk rating. It has been found that after comparing with the past studies with the obtain results that provide higher accuracy which is greater than 87%. Therefore, it is a clear demonstration of the developed topography which had been bought though rapid electronic deformations it has higher chances of morphotectonic activity.17 0Item Restricted Relationship between Oral health Profile, Service utilization and Locations: Building a Model for School Dental Services(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-08) Aqeeli, Amal; Kruger, Estie; Tennant, Marc; Alsharif, AllaAim: This research project aims to provide an update on dental caries profile of 9-to-12-year- old schoolchildren in Al- Madinah, Saudi Arabia (SA); to investigate the factors associated with dental care utilization including sociodemographic characteristics, and oral health needs; to examine regular dental visit and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioural characteristics; to assess the distribution and accessibility of primary public dental services in Al-Madinah in comparison with that in Jeddah; and to develop a geographic model for school dental services (SDS) in Al-Madinah, SA, geographic information system (GIS)-based on the distribution of child population density. Methods: Data from 1,000 schoolchildren aged 9–12 years old from a cross-sectional oral health survey in Al-Madinah, SA was obtained and analysed. Clinical, sociodemographic and behavioural data were extracted from the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated to estimate caries prevalence and severity and their association with sociodemographic factors. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the factors influencing dental care use. For geographic analysis, primary public dental services locations; the location of primary public schools and the number of students in each school were mapped using GIS. Analysis of primary public dental services distribution in Al-Madinah compared to Jeddah was conducted. And building a geographic theoretical model for SDS in Al-Madinah, SA was designed. Results: Caries prevalence in primary or permanent teeth was 85.1%, with untreated caries at 76.1%. The mean dmft was 2.66 ± 2.63 while the mean DMFT was 1.43 ± 1.73. Approximately a iii quarter of all participants (23.8%), have never received dental care before while only 9.2% of the sample reported regular dental visits. Pain or trouble with teeth was the most common reason for visiting the dentist (49.4%). The multiple logistic regression model showed that children from low-income families had a reduced likelihood of receiving dental care (OR=0.571, P=0.014). Children who have caries and who reported having toothache in the past 12 months were more likely to visit the dentist (OR=1.599, P=0.028) & (OR=2.188, P>0.001). In addition, regular dental visits were associated with gender (female: OR = 1.715; p = 0.041), high family income (middle income: OR = 0.464; p = 0.024; and low income: OR = 0.517; p = 0.015), and the consumption of sugary food and drinks (almost daily: OR = 0.438; p = 0.017; and several times a week: OR = 0.511; p = 0.050). An uneven distribution of dental services was found, with services concentrated in certain districts in both cities and other districts with far fewer or no dental services. Furthermore, the future locations for SDS were studied: the areas with the higher number of schools; higher number of students; and dense child population as presented in the map suggest the future location of SDS. The total number of dentists required to work in SDS settings was 415 for the first model, and 277 for the second model. Conclusion: Dental caries persists as a public health challenge among schoolchildren in Al- Madinah, SA, with high prevalence and severity among schoolchildren. Dental care utilization is mainly driven by symptomatic dental care and regular dental visits are uncommon behaviour. Establishing SDS is suggested as a solution to this health issue in Al-Madinah and SA in general. A theoretical model was proposed for SDS with the future SDS locations and the number of dentists to hire for the services to meet the child population's oral health needs.17 0Item Restricted TOWARDS EQUITABLE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN RIYADH: A GIS-BASED ANALYSIS OF KIDNEY DISEASE HOSPITALS DISTRIBUTION AND SITE SELECTION FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-23) Alshehri, Talal Abdullah; Tate, NickThe availability of hospitals and medical facilities specializing in certain medical treatments, such as nephrology centers, is essential to the prognosis of people who suffer from kidney disease. Patients with kidney illness have the highest risk of being adult patients who require hospitalization. This is because kidney disease is a lifetime ailment that requires continuous treatment from the medical system. Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. The goal of this study is to investigate the spatial layout of the country's nephrology facilities, evaluate how readily different neighborhoods may access these important resources, and make recommendations for the optimal places for the building of new nephrology centers in Riyadh. To carry out an exhaustive examination, this work made use of the methodologies and resources provided by GIS. To identify any potential spatial clustering of hospitals in Riyadh that treat kidney sickness, the researchers utilized a tool called the Spatial Statistics Tool, specifically the Global Moran I. In addition, we made use of a technology developed by the World Health Organization called Accesmod to model the actual distance (both by car and on foot) to various nephrology centers. This modeling took into account everything from the locations of nephrology center sites to the distribution of the population, transportation networks, trip scenarios, and land use concerns. According to the findings of our inquiry, the geographic distribution of nephrology centers in Riyadh does not follow any apparent or statistically significant trend across the city's landscape. An investigation of the suitability of potential locations for the future creation of nephrology facilities was carried out so that this gap could be filled and the most advantageous locations could be identified. Based on a well-defined list of GIS criteria, we have determined that nine (9) great locations would be an excellent choice for the development of these essential healthcarefacilities. The findings that have been described in this article can serve as a helpful resource for legislators and medical experts, and they have crucial repercussions for the planning of healthcare, the allocation of resources, and the general well-being of patients in Riyadh who suffer from renal disease. Site selection, accessibility, spatial statistics, geographic information systems, and geographical distribution are some of the keywords that might be used here.15 0Item Restricted The Relationship Between Topography and Flash Floods in Jeddah City by Using GIS and Remote Sensing(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-23) Alshamrani, Ali; Lovell, HaroldThis research project conducts a comprehensive flood vulnerability assessment in the Jeddah region, Saudi Arabia, focusing on devastating floods that resulted in significant property damage and loss of life. The most serious flood events occurred in 2009 and 2012, which confirms the urgent need to conduct a comprehensive study to find out the factors causing this and search for solutions and ways to manage floods. The project begins with a simple introduction that highlights the ongoing threat of flash floods in Jeddah, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment. The primary goal is to develop a reliable flood vulnerability map that identifies areas at risk and assesses their potential impact on urban areas. To achieve this goal, the research uses an effective flood risk analysis methodology, which includes the analysis of various morphometric parameters, including flow number, length, regime, bifurcation ratio, and more. This analysis includes high-resolution ASTER, Digital Terrain Models (DTM) at 30 m resolution, the Topographic Position Index (TPI), and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) were used to process and visualize spatial data. The data was analyzed using hydrological tools in ArcGIS Pro, and integrating these tools and methodologies revealed that basins B1, B8, and B17 are among the basins most vulnerable to flash floods, while basins B8, B5, B6, B8, and B9 pose the highest risks to urban areas. The resulting flood vulnerability map helps local authorities, researchers and communities understand and manage flood risks and enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts, ultimately contributing to the safety and resilience of the Jeddah region.35 0