Abstract:

This study was prepared with the aim of determine the effects of slope, elevation and aspect characteristics of the topographic factors affecting the population and settlement distribution of Kastamonu province which is located Western Black Sea Region of the Black Sea Region. Accordingly, these factors affecting the residential areas of the city were evaluated and mapped. Since the topographical factors prevailing in the study area vary in short distances, it has been determined that there are differences in population and settlement distributions The diversity of topographic features affects in these areas many factors such as difficult living conditions, limited economic and social activities, decreasing air temperature, and shortening of sunshine duration. In addition, it also causes a decrease in the number of population. Topography, which is the most important parameter in the distribution of population and settlements is an important factor in Kastamonu province as well as in Turkey. In the study, the population data of the Kastamonu province belonging to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) was used. In addition, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used in the maps created. Satellite images and software such as Google Earth Pro, Esri ArcGIS 10.5, Open Street Map and Atlas (The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change) as well as MTA’s topography maps were used to access or digitize layers such as settlements, streams, roads and areas. From the maps obtained in this way, the relationship between Population and settlements with topographical factors was evaluated. The elevation map created shows the distribution of the population at 200 meter intervals. In addition, slope groups were determined and population and settlement distributions were evaluated according to these groups. According to the created aspect map, the dominant aspect directions of the population were determined.

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