Analysis of Spatial Shift Factors of Economic Activities in Traditional Cities Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Light of the Multiple Nuclei Theory – The Case of Al-Karak City

The study aimed to analyze the factors driving the spatial shift of economic activities in Al-Karak City by exploring the reasons that prompted these activities to relocate from the traditional city center to other areas such as Mu'tah, Al-Mazar, Al-Thaniyah, and Manshiyat Abu Hamour. The study sought to explain this shift in light of the Multiple Nuclei Theory, which suggests the emergence of new urban centers as a result of the interaction of economic, demographic, and administrative forces, leading to the relocation of activities from the old nucleus to more attractive emerging urban nuclei.
     In order to achieve its goal, the study adoptedthe descriptive-analytical approach using a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 186 owners of economic and service establishments in Al-Karak Governorate. The study tool was divided into four main axes: economic factors, demographic and urban factors, administrative and organizational factors, and spatial and supporting service factors. The validity and reliability of the tool were verified statistically using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and correlation coefficients. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software was also used to analyze the spatial shifts of economic and service activities by designing maps illustrating the directional trends from the city center to the expanding areas, which contributed to providing a spatial interpretation of the results.
The results showed that economic factors ranked first in influencing the relocation decision, as factors such as declining profits, rising rents, and reduced investment returns in Al-Karak’s city center emerged as direct reasons for businesses moving toward the expanding areas. Demographic and urban factors ranked second, including overcrowding in the old city, urban expansion, and population growth in the surrounding areas. The results also indicated that administrative and organizational factors, such as weak municipal organization and complicated licensing procedures, had a moderate impact, while spatial and service-related factors ranked last, despite their role in improving the business environment in the new areas.
The study recommended adopting incentive policies in the city center, including reducing costs and improving infrastructure, as well as simplifying administrative procedures to achieve balanced development and revitalize the traditional city nucleus.