Using Geographical Information System for Mapping Primary Schools Distribution in Erbil City

Mapping educational facilities is an important factor in achieving social equity. However, many countries have experienced problems with the distribution of educational facilities. This study explores the spatial distribution of public primary schools in Erbil using advanced GIS tools and statistical analyses. It employs methods such as the Lorenz Curve, Moran's Index, Ripley's K function, hotspot analysis, and geostatistical techniques, including IDW and Kriging. The research reveals significant inequities in the allocation of educational facilities, with densely populated central areas having a higher concentration of schools compared to the sparsely populated outskirts. Additionally, the results revealed that the observed Ripley's K value was approximately 7000 m greater than the expected K value, and the Moran's index was 0.0895. This indicates that the distribution of schools has clustering patterns. Moreover, the values of IDW and Kriging, 8 and 3, respectively, suggest that primary schools tend to concentrate in the older, more populated neighborhoods of the city. These findings highlight the pressing need for balanced urban development and educational infrastructure, especially in rapidly urbanizing contexts. This paper provides essential insights for policymakers and urban planners, underscoring the importance of equitable resource distribution in urban settings. While the study's approach is focused primarily on geographical factors, it opens avenues for further research incorporating socio-economic variables. Overall, it contributes significantly to understanding urban planning challenges in the realm of educational equity.