Meta-Analysis of the Role of the Internet of Things in the Future of Urban Water Systems in Tehran Metropolis

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

leily Bakhtiari ¹

Navid Ahangari ²

¹ Department of Geography, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

² Ph.D. in Geography and Urban Planning, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/jwsd.v12i4.2509-1457

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT), through real-time monitoring and data analysis, enhances the sustainability of urban water systems and guides cities towards smart management and sustainable water supply. In this regard, the present research study has been prepared with the aim of meta-analyzing the role of the Internet of Things in the future of urban water systems in Tehran metropolis. The research approach is a systematic and structural meta-analysis, which is applied in terms of objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology, based on bibliometrics and Delphi. In the first part, through systematic analysis, 388 articles retrieved from the Scopus database were identified and analyzed using VOSviewer software. In the second, structural part, 14 key indicators were analyzed using the MICMAC technique, and future scenarios were identified with the Scenario Wizard software. The statistical population comprises experts in the fields of water and urban planning, from whom 60 individuals were selected as the statistical sample using purposive sampling. The results indicate the dominance of research output from India (30.9%), China (8.5%), and the United States (7.2%). The primary research areas investigated include water quality monitoring, leak detection, smart metering, and demand management, while future challenges encompass data security, privacy, and interoperability between systems. The results of the structural analysis showed that smart irrigation has the highest influence and water infrastructure monitoring has the highest susceptibility, highlighting the key role of technology and infrastructure in urban water management. The scenarios indicated that only through the synergy of smart technologies, data analysis, and cybersecurity can high efficiency and equitable access to water be achieved in Tehran metropolis. Therefore, future predictive analyses, increased connectivity, and IoT integration are essential for optimizing water resource management and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Keywords

Meta-Analysis

Foresight

Internet of Things (IoT)

Urban Water Systems

Tehran Metropolis

Subjects

• Water Management and Economy

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