Analysis of spatial vulnerability of threatened strategic urban centers from the point of view of passive defense (case study: Bojnurd city)

Background and objective: Safety and security against threats is one of the most basic principles in order to achieve the desired standards of urban comfort, and attention to the passive defense of cities against external threats has always been considered since the beginning of the formation of cities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide management strategies to reduce the existing risk and city management in times of crisis with a passive defense approach. Method: The method used in this research is applied based on the purpose and quantitative in terms of method. In this research, first, the vulnerability of each asset against physical and non-physical threats is determined, and using the obtained results, the total vulnerability index is also determined, and its spatial distribution is analyzed in all three categories. In the next step, management strategies were determined and prioritized using the matrix of internal and external factors. Findings: The results showed that defensive strategies are the best possible strategies for the city of Bojnurd. Based on the results, seven six were determined as the main strategies to reduce the vulnerability of Bojnurd city, which are the first and seventh strategies in order of priority: Strengthening land transportation infrastructure in order to strengthen tourism; and Diversifying the water supply sources of the city or strengthening the water safety of Shirin Dareh dam. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it can be said that many assets of Bojnurd city, especially assets that a large part of the population depends on their services, are under threat. Also, in terms of spatial distribution, the northern area of the city had the highest level of vulnerability, and the highest density of assets of city are also located in this area, and this geographical compatibility has aggravated the vulnerability of the city.