TITLE:
Using Chorems in Graphical Modeling: The Case of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
AUTHORS:
Mohsen Dhieb
KEYWORDS:
Chorem, Chorematic Method, Spatial Modeling, Saudi Arabia, Spatial Planning
JOURNAL NAME:
Current Urban Studies,
Vol.8 No.2,
June
4,
2020
ABSTRACT: In
geographical research, the use of “chorems” has been presented as a meaningful graphical modeling
method of geographical spaces (Brunet, 1980). This method summarizes the specific characters and
overall design of one given space whatever its configuration, its extent and
its characteristics by using simplified graphical shapes, figures, colors,
signs, arrows and textures instead of drawing real maps. The graphical modeling
by “chorems” reveals useful to express the profound inner space structures,
patterns and relationships of the various areas and different phenomena
composing spaces. In this research, one goal is to try to review the set of
rules and guidelines to easily realize series of “chorems” that apply to one
space. Another goal is to implement, discuss and evaluate a case application of
“chorems” on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The third goal is to measure to
what extent this method may be useful to portray and understand spatial inner
structures of KSA and how far. Despite some progress and attempts conducted to
render automatic the chorems creation or extraction (Laurini & Serigne, 2001), the
author uses the traditional step by step method. The idea behind is to try to
discuss each step to make understanding of the whole process easier, especially
for Arab readers and Saudi planners. The examples studied are derived from the
geography of KSA at the national level. The thematic data are about its main
natural and human components and resources, the spatial mobility of its human
components and their evolution over time. Compared to the traditional maps used
in planning or geographical textbook description of one space, the chorems
focus on its main spatial figures and reveal very useful. First, they may help
common readers to understand the main characteristics and features of one given
space; second, planners and deciders may consider the focal nodes, axes, and
areas of one space for featuring its development. Although some limits of the
chorematic method, the research findings conclude that “chorems” are figures
that may yield useful ideas and guidelines for understanding and featuring the
development of one country with regards to its spatial planning policy, i.e.,
in the case of KSA, to support the future vision of the Kingdom’s 2030.