The Social Geography of Smart Cities and its Impact on Reshaping the Spatial Relationships of Populations

Abstract

This research aims to study the social geography of smart cities and analyze their impact on reshaping the spatial relationships of residents in the contemporary urban environment. The concept of smart cities has emerged as a modern trend in urban planning, relying on the use of information and communication technologies and digital infrastructure to improve city management and develop urban services. The importance of this study lies in understanding how these technological transformations affect patterns of social interaction and the distribution of human activities within the city. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach to analyze the relationship between technological development and spatial and social transformations in smart cities, through a review of geographical literature and recent urban studies that addressed this topic. The study also focused on the role of smart technologies, such as intelligent transportation systems, digital services, and electronic platforms, in reorganizing population movement and facilitating access to various services. The research results showed that the application of smart city technologies contributed to reducing the spatial separations between residential, work, and service areas, leading to the emergence of new patterns of spatial and social relationships within the city. The study also indicated that these transformations helped enhance the efficiency of urban space use and improve the quality of life for residents, with the emergence of new forms of social interaction that increasingly rely on digital media. The study concludes that smart cities represent a modern urban model that contributes to reshaping the spatial and social structure of cities. This necessitates the integration of urban planning and technological development to ensure sustainable urban development that meets the needs of residents now and in the future.