Abstract 
This study investigates the reality of the main commercial areas in Nablus city, Palestine and planning those areas using Geographic 
Information Systems (GIS). Commercial areas in Nablus suffer from poor planning and organizing. The significance of the study comes from 
being the first study that addresses this problem using powerful technology in analysis and planning which is GIS. The study aims at analyzing 
the geographic distribution of commercial activities in Nablus, then suggesting best locations for new commercial areas. The study used the 
descriptive and the analytical methodology in conducting the research work. Field survey and GIS were used to achieve the aims of the 
study. The study shows that the surface area of the main commercial area in Nablus is 3990 donums or 13.8% of the total surface area of 
Nablus. The per capita commercial area is 5.4 m², and this number is higher than what was planned by the municipality. It also proved that 
the distribution of commercial buildings is random in the eastern of the city, clustered in the CBD, and dispersed in thes western part of the 
city. The study recommended a new commercial area in the western part of the city.    
Keywords: Commercial areas, Nablus, GIS, Planning 

Title

مجلة الزرقاء للبحوث والدراسات الانسانية

Publisher

جامعة الزرقاء

Publisher Country

Jordan

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

17

Year

2017

Pages

37