Year 10 Local Fieldwork Investigation Coursework

Assessment Task

“The CBD of Muscat is Ruwi and the suburb of Muscat is MQ”

Where is Oman?
Oman officially known as the Sultanate of Oman is located on the
southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula and covers a total area of
around 119,500 square miles, ranking 70th in terms of its total area
and has a higher population density in its cities than in its rural areas
the country's urban areas is home to roughly 73% of the population,
while Oman's rural areas are homes to the remaining 27%. .with a population of
about 4,907,334 people which ranks as the 124th most densely populated country in
the world. This number is out of a total of 195 countries and In comparison to the rest
of the world, Oman is only 0.06% of the global population. Oman is also an arab
country situated in western Asia in the northern and with
GPS latitude and longitude coordinates of 22.7465° N,
57.1203° E.Also Oman shares a northwestern border with
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a western border
with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The country of Oman also
shares its maritime borders with Pakistan and Iran. In
addition Oman Besides that, it has a coastline with the
Arabian Sea in the southeast and with the Gulf of Oman
in the northeast. Oman's topography is extremely varied.
The majority of the southern third of the Arabian
Peninsula is covered by the sand desert known as Rub Al
Khali, which has minimal capability for human survival.
Moving east, the Hajar mountain range runs parallel to the coastline plain flat land,
known as Al Batinah. This is where the capital city of Muscat is located. Inland Oman
experiences a harsh, hot, and dry environment. however Fertile soils and forested
mountains are much more prevalent as one travels south towards the Dhofar region.
Oman's climate is typically arid, with little rain or cool wind. Oman's subtropical
desert climate means that it has hot, dusty winds, a lot of sunshine, and little rain
throughout the year. As a result, almost 93% of Oman's soil is infertile. However The
Dhofar region in southern Oman, where most of the country's rainfall falls,
occasionally experiences monsoons.
Governates of Oman
Oman is divided into 11 administrative governorates also known as (muhafazah) in
Arabic. Ad Dakhiliyah, Ad Dhahirah, Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South, Al Buraymi,
Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah North, Ash Sharqiyah South, Dhofar, Muscat, and
Musandam are the governorates listed in alphabetical order and there is a total of 59
provinces make up the division of these governorates also known as (wilayat) in
Arabic.

The History Of Oman

Previously, the land that now makes Oman was beneath the sea. Oman was
separated from the ocean by the abduction of two tectonic plates, which explains
why the country is comprised of limestone which is a marine sediment. Oman's
strategic location along the Silk Road and its coastline defences made it a target for
numerous empire builders who wished to expand their dominions. In 630, during the
lifetime of the prophet Muhammad, Oman was introduced to Islam. Then in the
1500s, the Portuguese conquered the coastal cities of Oman until they were driven
out by the Persians. Then, in the mid1700s, Omani rule was restored. Throughout
this time up until oil was discovered, Oman was a maritime empire. In the past
Oman profited from trade from the silk route for instance muttrah which is now the
old historic centre. At this time Ruwi was just a support district for ship maintenance
and trade in muttrah. Due to an increase in goods from the silk route such as
frankincense muttrah port expanded. However, due to the Hajar mountains lying
parallel to the coast,muttrah growth was limited. It was forced to expand into Ruwi’s
areas of flat land, expanding the CBD. In 1964 oil in commercial quantities was
discovered in Oman and later was first exported in 1967 to Japan. From there,
muscat began to build foreign investment due to its oil and gas industry. This then
led to further expansion and forced muscat to expand outwards along the coastline
due to the increase in demand for residential areas from foreign investors/workers
and their families and this led to the formation of MQ making it a popular choice of
residence for foreign workers, especially westerners. Also, this is why MQ is one of
the most expensive residential areas of Muscat as foreigners are more likely to pay
much to live near their work area.

Muscat location and its site

Muscat is the capital city of Oman and it is the most populated city in Oman, with 1.5
million people living there. It is situated in the country's northern coastal part and
faces the Gulf of Oman, which is a section of the Arabian Sea and holds its defence
through the Hajar mountains. Muscat lies on the flat land of al Batinah and is
guarded by the Hajar mountain range in addition, the tropic of cancer just lies below
muscat. The city's overall size, including all of its various neighbourhoods, is close to
1400 square miles. Muscat is situated about 275 miles east of Abu Dhabi, the capital
of the United Arab Emirates, about 185 miles east of Al Ain, and about 220 miles
southeast of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hajar mountain

Muscat Location on map

Muscat’s situation and its growth

Muscat expanded from a tiny village as a result of its good settlement situation.
Because of its coastal location, Muscat has multiple ports, including Muttrah Port,
where the city of Muscat originated. This has led to a boom in trade, prosperity, and
employment, all of which have increased the number of people drawn to the area.
Additionally, Muscat is situated along the Silk Road, a crucial trading route. Due to
this highly active commerce route in the past, Muscat was able to trade a large
amount of its spices and frankincense, which enhanced many people's income and
created additional work opportunities, further boosting settlement growth. Muscat
has a strong strategic location because of its position between the Hajar mountains
and the gulf of Oman. Lastly, the high abundance of gas and oil in Muscat attracts
foreign investors to the region. Due to a gain in income and trade, the settlement
expands and prospers, attracting additional people.

Muscat’s linear growth

From the harbour and commercial centre of Muttrah, Muscat developed. At this time
Ruwi was just a support district for ship maintenance and trade in muttrah as
mentioned before. As trade increased, Muttrah was forced to expand. However, with
the Hajar Mountains to the south, Muttrah could not extend south, and coastal and
sea restrictions prevented Muttrah from extending north. Therefore Muttrah had to
expand in a linear pattern into the flat land of ruwi and this was the beginning of
Muscat’s linear settlement structure. As foreign investors became more common,
muscat continued to grow in a linear fashion along the coastline to provide
residential areas(create residence) for them and their families.

The Sultan Qaboos Highway,

Muscat expanding in a linear which runs along the coastline
fashion due to the Hajar and directly through Muscat
mountains and the Arabian and it is the main highway that
sea bisects the city.

Location of Ruwi - site and situation

 Ruwi is an old district business located in the eastern part of Muscat, approximately
5km from main residential areas such as Al Khuwair, MQ, shatti and Madinat al Ilam.
Ruwi’s location of flat land allows ruwi to be easily accessed, containing an excellent
area to store large delivery trucks, lots of room for cars, and lots of room for future
building development. Ruwi is suited close to the muttrah port(ruwi lies slightly west
and inland from Muttrah port)-an expansion from the old centre creating a new CBD
(Ruwi). The proximity of Ruwi to Muttrah harbour makes it simple for Ruwi to trade
and sell goods to tourists disembarking from ships that are docked there. Since
muttrah has expanded into Ruwi, its new function is to serve as the central business
district(CBD) of muscat. Ruwi had Muscat’s first airport and has been a commercial
and business hub since the expansion of the old city centre (muttrah port) into Ruwi.
Whilst on my trip some features that I found in ruwi were that there are many
commercial buildings, multi-storey developments(due to high land value), vertical
zoning, little open space, offices and services, high noise levels and high traffic.
These features allow me to hypothesise that ruwi is the CBD of Muscat as these
characteristics mentioned above are commonly seen in the CBD. Some of these
characteristics are shown in the map below

Many
service
s-
Public Banks
A Many
transportation is and
mosqu commerci
widely available hospita
e for al ls
throughout Ruwi.
muslim functions -
s to shops and
practic restaurant
e s
religion

Map showing characteristics of a CBD in Ruwi.

Location of Madinat Qaboos(MQ)- site and situation
About 6 kilometres inland from the coast, MQ is situated in the heart of Muscat. MQ
is situated on the western side of the Sultan Qaboos highway, which divides the city
in half and separates it from the coastal front. The site of Madinat Qaboos is on a
steep slope. The situation of MQ is Hajar Mountains lie to the south of MQ. At the
same time, the actual coastal region of Shatti and its beach is to the north and also
The Expressway (motorway) is located to the north, while the Sultan Qaboos
Highway (SQH) borders the southern side of MQ.MQ is a desirable residential area
for expats, particularly westerners as it is also home to two schools (BSM and
ABA).In the wealthier expatriate community, MQ serves as a residential area for
families and commuters and a place for leisure, entertainment and shopping.MQ is
also home to a popular leisure complex, souk al Madina as well as plenty of cafes for
residents.MQ is characterized by expensive and modern residential areas, excellent
school locations, and a centre of leisure and entertainment. these characteristics are
ones that are common and we would expect to find in a suburb therefore We can
infer that MQ is the suburb of Muscat

Map showing characteristics of a suburb in MQ.

Map of Muscat annotated
 Location of
MQ in
muscat
Location of
Grey area showing how Ruwi in
muscat has a linear muscat Muttrah port- the
settlement plan- due to the old CBD of Muscat
hajar mountain and the sea
limiting its growth north or
south.
What is a CBD?
The central business district (CBD) of a city is where the majority of the city's public
structures and commercial thoroughfares are located. Throughout its history, the
CBD has undergone a number of changes in land use, including industrial,
residential, commercial, administrative, and consumption. High-end banks, services,
and businesses(malls) are frequently found in CBDs and it is typically quite noisy
and bustling as it is very populated. It might also serve as a hub for commerce. The
CBDs are typically the oldest urban areas, despite having very high rent. In addition,
they have many tall skyscrapers.

What is a suburb?
A suburb is a residential region in a city or urban centre that is distinguished by large
buildings, stores, and other social facilities. A suburb may include a sizable area or
only a small area that is densely populated with all these amenities. It might also be
found inside a city, close to one, or in a metropolitan area. Flats, detached homes,
and semi-detached homes are frequently seen in suburbs. Most of the homes are
constructed far away from one another. The majority of them have expansive
compounds, gardens, and parks.

LAND USE COMPARISON BETWEEN CBD & SUBURBS

                         CBD  SUBURB

High/multi-storey buildings detached houses, with gardens and garages

High cost of land, not many houses because Lower land prices
of that.

Wide dual carriageway roads More of the narrow, single lane roads

Lack of open space Lots of open spaces

Grid iron street pattern Contains attractive designs, such as cul-de-

sacs/crescents

Wide pavements Narrower pavements (as there are fewer

pedestrians)

high pedestrian flow Fewer pedestrians

 Many transport services -train & bus stations People who live there have their own cars

Traffic restrictions (congestion) street designs that allow for privacy and
prevent through traffic congestion

Land use is mainly commercial: many Fewer businesses mainly residential

businesses and retail shops

High pollution rate Low or no pollution( many trees and

gardens)

MQ street pattern
Mq is an excellent example of Cul-de-sacs also referred to dead end street. It is
frequently observed in the suburbs (MQ), where piles of homes with comparable
forms and shapes are constructed together. Cul-De-Sacs were built to slow down
traffic so that there is room between each home in the suburb for cars to pass
through. It also halts the sporadic rise of traffic in the suburbs or even inside the city
where dead-end streets obstruct vehicle travel. Cul-de-sacs have several
advantages, especially in residential areas where the grid design prevents traffic
from crowding as cul-de-sacs don't connect to other roads and can't be used as
shortcuts. Additionally, it lessens noise and aids in reducing air pollution. Also
because there aren't any cars consistently moving
in the same direction, accidents are also
significantly reduced in cul-de-sac areas.
However, since the previous generations, this
attitude has profoundly changed as the number of
cars has increased per household.

Ruwi street pattern

Ruwi is a good example of a grid street pattern also known as a gridiron plan. A grid
street pattern is a style of city planning in which streets intersect one another at right
angles to create a grid and it’s Typically located in the city's historic district
(CBD)This type of street pattern is often used in urban planning, as it allows for
efficient use of land and easy navigation. In contrast, the traditional street pattern of
Ruwi features narrow, winding streets and traditional Omani architecture. It is
designed to create a sense of community and to promote social interaction among
residents and is also designed for efficiency and ease of navigation.

LAND USE MODELS - THE BURGESS MODEL

The Burgess Model, also known as the Concentric Zone Model or the Sector Model,
is a land use model developed by American sociologist Ernest Burgess in the 1920s.
It describes the pattern of urban land use and the distribution of different types of
land uses within a city. According to the model, the city is divided into several
concentric zones, with the central business district (CBD) at the centre and the
different land uses radiating outwards in a series of rings.

The model describes the following five concentric zones:

● The CBD: the central hub of the city, where the most valuable land is located.
It is characterized by high-density, high-rise commercial and office buildings.
● The inner city: the area immediately surrounding the CBD, where land values
decrease and the housing is mainly older and more densely packed
● The transition zone: a zone of mixed land uses, including both residential and
commercial properties, with some industry and factories
● The outer city: the area further out from the centre, where land values
decrease again and there is more single-family housing, with less density and
more green spaces
● The commuter zone: the outermost ring, where land values are the lowest,
and primarily residential, with low density and large single-family homes.

the Burgess Model does not fully apply to the city of Muscat as it lacks a distinct
central business district and instead, the city is arranged in a linear fashion due to
the surrounding mountains. Additionally, housing in Muscat is not separated into
specific zones and can be found in various areas, not just in the outskirts of the
centre, making it difficult to fit the model's concentric zones. This random distribution
of housing suggests that the Burgess Model is not an accurate representation of land
use patterns in Muscat.

HOYT’S SECTOR MODEL

Hoyt's Sector Model is a land use model that describes the pattern of urban land use
and the distribution of different types of land uses within a city. It was developed by
Homer Hoyt in 1939, as an extension of the Burgess Model. Like the Burgess Model,
Hoyt's Sector Model divides the city into several concentric zones, with the central
business district (CBD) at the centre. However, it also includes a sectoral pattern of
land use, which emanates from the CBD and is shaped by transportation
infrastructure, such as roads and rail lines.

The model describes the following four sectors:

● The CBD sector: The central hub of the city, where the most valuable land is
located. It is characterized by high-density, high-rise commercial and office
buildings.
● The Inner City sector(low-class residential): The area immediately
surrounding the CBD, where land values decrease and the housing is mainly
older and more densely packed
● The Middle Suburban sector(medium-class residential): the area which is
located between the inner city and the outer suburban sector, it has a mix of
both older houses and newer houses
● The Outer Suburban sector(high class residential): the outermost ring, where
land values are the lowest, and primarily residential, with low density and
large single-family homes.

The Hoyt sector model does not fit oman because Oman's economy is not as
dependent on the central business district (CBD) as in other places. Oman's
economy is diversified and has been investing in other sectors such as tourism,
manufacturing, and fisheries, which makes it less dependent on the CBD. The
housing pattern in Oman is also less predictable as it is not based on social class as
in other places, it is a mix of all classes of housing in different areas of the city.
HARRIS AND ULLMAN: MULTI NUCLEI MODEL
The Harris and Ullman Model, also known as the Multi-Nuclei Model, is a land use
model that describes the pattern of urban land use and the distribution of different
types of land uses within a city. It was developed by Chauncy Harris and Edward
Ullman in 1945 as an extension of the Hoyt Sector Model.It postulates that cities are
not just made up of one central business district (CBD) but many smaller nuclei,
each with its own set of land uses and characteristics. These nuclei are not
necessarily located in the city centre but are scattered throughout the urban area.
They can be formed around transportation hubs, industrial zones, or shopping
centres, for example:

● Each nucleus is seen as a separate entity that is shaped by its own set of
physical, economic, social, and cultural factors. The nuclei are interconnected
by transportation networks, and the flows of goods, people, and information
between them shape the overall pattern of urban land use.
● Also the model is more realistic as it takes into account the fact that cities are
not just one homogeneous entity but are made up of many different parts,
each with its own unique characteristics.
● It also emphasizes the importance of transportation infrastructure and the
interconnections between different parts of the city in shaping land use
patterns.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that this model can be applied to the urban areas of
Oman, as the country's urban areas have multiple nuclei, each with its own set of
land uses and characteristics, and they are interconnected by transportation
networks. However
BID-RENT THEORY

The bid-rent theory is a model that explains the relationship between land value and
land use in urban areas. It was first developed by the economist Richard von Thünen
in the 19th century. It predicts that the value of land decreases as you move away
from the central business district (CBD) or other highly desirable locations. In the
case of Muscat, the CBD is Ruwi, which is the main commercial and business hub.
The area is characterized by high land value and high-density, high-rise commercial
and office buildings.

As you move away from the CBD, the land value decreases, this can be observed in
the residential areas around the city, for example, Al-Khuwair, Qurm and Ghubra
which are considered the most desirable residential areas and have high land value,
while other areas such as Bausher, Al-Seeb, and Al-Amerat have lower land value.

The theory also predicts that different types of land use will be found in different
locations based on the bid-rent gradient. For example, high-value uses such as
luxury housing and office buildings will be found in the most desirable locations near
the CBD, while low-value uses such as warehouses and industrial buildings will be
found in less desirable locations farther away from the CBD.
Mini Hypothesis
These are my mini hypothesis that I will be testing:

● THE POPULATION DENSITY IS HIGHER IN RUWI THAN MQ

● THE AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS HIGHER IN RUWI THAN MQ
● THERE IS MORE GREENERY IN MQ THAN RUWI- INVORENMETAL QUALITY
● MQ’S RENTAL PRICES WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IN FROM RUWI.
● THE PRICES OF KARAK TEA ARE CHEAPER IN RUWI THAN IN MQ
● NOISE LEVEL WILL BE HIGHER IN RUWI THAN IN MQ
● RUWI HAS TALLER BUILDINGS THAN MQ
● RUWI HAS MORE TRAFFIC THAN MQ
Sequence of investigation
To gather data for my research, I will utilise both primary and secondary sources. For
primary data collection, I will visit different sites and shops in Ruwi and MQ,
conducting observations and taking measurements, such as recording the number of
cars at a traffic light (traffic count). For secondary data collection, I will research
online sources to gather information on Ruwi and MQ, such as statistics and
demographics. By compiling all of the data I have collected, I will be able to compare
and contrast the characteristics of Ruwi and MQ, determining which areas have
characteristics commonly associated with a CBD and which have characteristics
more similar to a suburb. Furthermore, I will also gather independent data specific to
the assigned sites in order to support my mini hypotheses.

Primary data collection

The primary data that will be collected for my research include:

● Detailed measurements of building heights in both Ruwi and MQ (Muscat) areas

● Pedestrian count in both areas at different times of the day
● Analysis of the greenery and landscaping in Ruwi and MQ, including graffiti and
cleanliness of the roads and streets- environmental quality
● Surveys on the prices of Karak tea in various shops and cafes in both areas
● Traffic count in both areas, including the types and the number of vehicles passing
through at different times of the day
● Testing of RICEPOTS -residential, industrial, commercial, entertainment, public
buildings, open space(e.g parks, sports fields), transport, services(e.g banks, travel
agent)
Secondary data collection
Secondary data collection will involve extensive online research of various sources to gather
information on the land cost in both Ruwi and MQ (Muscat) areas.

METHODOLOGY

METHOD 1 (GROUP)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: THE POPULATION DENSITY AND NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS IS

HIGHER IN RUWI THAN IN MQ

WHAT?

A pedestrian count is a method which measures the number of people passing by a

specific area during a specific time period. It is typically conducted by counting the
number of people who pass by a designated point, such as a street corner or a crosswalk,
within a set time period. In my group, we collected the data by counting the number of
people who pass in each of the sites we were given, whilst also looking at the ethnicity as
we don't want to count an Omani resident in our data.
WHY?

The central business district (CBD) is typically characterized by high levels of economic
activity, with a concentration of jobs and tourist attractions. As a result, CBDs tend to have
a higher volume of pedestrian traffic, as people rush to work or visit popular destinations.
In contrast, suburbs tend to have a lower volume of pedestrian traffic, as the majority of
the people living there are residents who are not typically out and about in the area.

Additionally, people tend to live in areas where their religion or ethnicity is represented.
This can be used as an indicator for determining the CBD of Muscat. Typically, locals tend
to reside in suburbs, but can also be found living in the CBD, particularly if they can afford
the higher cost of living in the area. Furthermore, CBDs tend to have a higher presence of
foreigners, particularly those with financial means, as they are able to afford the expensive
land in a CBD. The availability of entertainment, leisure, and service establishments, such
as restaurants, tends to be more prominent in CBDs, and this is where foreign workers are
often employed as they are willing to work for less pay than locals. Therefore, observing
the ethnicity of pedestrians may be a useful tool in determining the CBD of Muscat.

HOW?

In this research method, we aimed to determine the level of popularity among tourists,
residents, and those who were in Ruwi and Muscat for work. To do this, we conducted a
pedestrian count by observing and recording the number of people who walked past each
of the sites we were given for a period of 1 minute. Using a tally chart, it allowed us to
easily keep track of the number of pedestrians we observed, making it a simple and
efficient method for collecting data. This data will be used to compare the pedestrian
count difference between MQ and Ruwi and therefore we will be able to conclude which
one is the CBD from the population.

WHERE?
Ruwi
The circled sites of 1,2,3,4,5 are the sites that I and my group were assigned to in Ruwi and
where I collected my data from

MQ

The circled sites of 4,5,6,7,17 are the sites that I and my group were assigned to in MQ and
where I collected my data from
EVALUATION
The pedestrian count was a very useful method to determine the CBD of muscat however
the pedestrian count survey method does have some problems that should be considered.
One problem is that there may be a margin of error in the data collected, particularly in the
busy streets of ruwi, as it can be difficult to accurately count every person who passes by.
Additionally, since the survey was only conducted on one day, the results may not be
completely reliable, as the level of foot traffic in a CBD can vary depending on the day of
the week, with it being busier on weekdays. Another problem is that it is not feasible to
approach pedestrians and ask them about their ethnicity, which means that any data
collected on ethnicity is based on educated guesses and may not be entirely accurate.
This can lead to unreliable and potentially inaccurate information. These limitations should
be taken into account when interpreting and analyzing the data collected through this
method. However next time they can be improved by making each on in my group count
the number of pedestrians passing by considering their ethnicity and then we gather all of
our data and conclude the number of pedestrians based on the digits we have.

METHOD 2(GROUP)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: THERE WILL BE MORE TRAFFIC IN RUWI THAN IN MQ

What?

The traffic count survey is a method used to measure the flow of traffic in a specific area
over a set period of time. The survey is conducted by using a stopwatch to record the
number of cars that pass by a designated point in both Ruwi and MQ for a period of five
minutes and record the data on a tally.

WHY?
In a CBD, there is usually a lot more traffic than in a suburb. CBDs typically have a higher
volume of traffic compared to suburbs. This is a distinctive characteristic of CBDs, and by
measuring the flow of traffic in different areas, we can use this data to provide evidence as
to which area of Muscat is the CBD. For example, if the data collected shows that MQ has
a higher volume of traffic compared to Ruwi, it can be considered as evidence that MQ
may be potentially the CBD of Muscat.

WHERE?
 Map showing the location of traffic tally taken in MQ

Map showing the location of traffic tally taken in Ruwi

HOW?
To gather data on the traffic concentration, congestion, and intensity in both MQ and
Ruwi, we will be conducting a traffic count survey. This survey will involve observing and
recording the number of vehicles such as cars, vans and trucks passing on the street for a
period of five minutes. We will use a stopwatch with a timer to accurately measure the
time and will use a tally chart to record the data. Using tally marks instead of writing down
numbers ensures that we don't lose count and makes the data more accurate. By
collecting this data, we will be able to compare the traffic in MQ and Ruwi and use it as a
factor in determining which area of Muscat is the CBD. This will help us to make a reliable
conclusion about the CBD of Muscat.

EVALUATION
The traffic count survey is a method that has a few problems. One of the main problems is
that the data is collected by observing and counting the number of vehicles passing by
with our own eyes, which may not be as accurate as more professional methods. There is a
high chance that we may miss some vehicles and not record them all, and the position we
are standing in may not allow us to see all the cars passing by. Another Problem is that
traffic varies depending on the time of the day, so collecting data during rush hour in one
area and not in another area may lead to unfair results. To minimize these problems a
possible solution would be to conduct the survey at the same time on the same day, as
traffic changes every day. This may seem like a reasonable answer, but when you
consider that the area of ruwi is primarily an eastern area compared to MQ, which is a
western location, you may conclude that the time of rush hour may differ since eastern
people typically work longer hours and thus their rush hours may differ from MQ. This is
due to the possibility that westerners work fewer hours, which causes earlier rush hours.
This means that measuring the traffic at the same time for both areas wouldn't give an
accurate representation of the traffic count in ruwi and MQ. Additionally, different streets
have different traffic conditions, some have more traffic lights than others which can cause
traffic congestion and this should be taken into account when collecting data and
analyzing the results.
LAND USE SURVEY- METHOD 3 (GROUP)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: RUWI’S LAND USE WILL BE DOMINATED BY SHOPS, BUSINESSES,

OFFICE BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDINGS AND WHERE MQ LANDUSE WILL
BE MORE RESIDENTIAL
What?
The Land Use Survey is a method of investigating the usage of land in a specific area. By
looking at the building's purposes and classifications, we can gather evidence to help
determine if MQ or Ruwi is the CBD of Muscat. For example, if the majority of buildings in
an area are commercial, such as offices and shops, it is more likely that the area is a CBD.
On the other hand, if the majority of buildings are residential, it is more likely that the area
is a suburb.

WHY?
The presence of tall buildings is one of the key characteristics of a CBD. Typically, in
CBDs, tall buildings are used for business and service purposes such as government
buildings, offices and commercial spaces. These buildings are often high class and have a
more professional and modern architecture. In contrast, suburbs tend to have fewer tall
buildings and instead have more residential buildings such as houses.Additionally, CBDs
tend to have a higher concentration of buildings that are used for industrial and
entertainment purposes such as factories, museums and theaters. Suburbs, on the other
hand, tend to have fewer buildings used for these purposes. By investigating the types of
buildings present in a specific area, we can infer whether it is more likely to be a CBD or a
suburb.

How?

We will do this by going to pre-designated location points in Ruwi and MQ.We will stop at
each point and count all of the land uses from the bottom floors of the buildings around
me, using the rice pot survey and tallying up the results.The rice pot survey consists of
categorizing buildings into one of the following categories: Residential (R), Industrial (I),
Commercial (C), Entertainment (E), Public buildings (P), Open Space (O), Transport (T), and
Service (S). This will be done by observing the buildings and determining their land use
based on their visual appearance, and then tallying the results for each category. It's
important to note that this methodology may result in unscientific research and data bias,
as the land use of buildings will be determined based on visual observation rather than
more accurate methods such as aerial imagery or property records. It's also important to
note that this method will only be able to gather information about the land use of
buildings that are visible from the ground, and not about the land use of buildings that are
hidden from view or not accessible.

Table showing the results to the RICEPOTS in MQ and Ruwi

CODE Type of land Further Tally

use information

R Residential Flat, terraced house, semi-

detached, bungalow,
detached

I industrial Manufacturing, heavy

industry, chemical, mining,
construction

C commercial Food, take-away, personal

service, garage, market,
furniture stores

E Entertainment cinema, sports centre,

gym, hotels, theatre,
restaurant or cafe

P Public building Education, hospitals

library, mosque, hotels,
malls, police station

O Open space Farmland, park, cemetery,

unused land, sports field

T Transport Bus station, car park, taxis

S Service financial, business,

medical dental

EVALUATION
The Land Use Survey method has some problems that should be taken into account when
using it. One Problem is that it relies heavily on the judgments of the surveyor, which may
not always be accurate. For example, a building may appear to be something, but in
reality, it is used for a different purpose. Some buildings may not have signs indicating
their purpose, which can make it difficult to determine their usage. However, this can be
fixed by doing online research on the site where the building is located in. Another
problem is that the data may be outdated, as buildings are constantly being constructed or
demolished in Muscat. Additionally, construction sites can also make it difficult to
determine the usage of buildings in the area. Furthermore, some buildings may fall into
multiple categories and not just one, so it's important to be consistent when making
judgments. An obstacle such as only focusing on the ground floor of the building leads to
problems like having inaccurate data, as usually residential purposes are found higher up
in the building, not usually found on the ground floor.

METHOD 4 (GROUP)
MINI HYPOTHESIS: BUILDINGS IN RUWI ARE TALLER THAN MQ

WHAT?
The Building Height Survey is a method of measuring the height or number of storeys of
buildings in Ruwi and MQ

WHY?
tall buildings are often found in central business districts (CBDs) due to the limited
amount of land available in these areas. In CBDs, the land is typically more expensive, so
developers tend to build taller buildings in order to make the most of the limited space.
This is in contrast to suburbs, where there is more land available and buildings tend to be
shorter and spread out. Additionally, CBDs typically have a high population density and
many people working in the area, but limited space for housing and other uses. This leads
to the development of high-rise buildings with multiple stories, which can include
commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above. This is a common
trend, especially in Ruwi, where shops and businesses are often located on the ground
floor, with apartments above them, catering to the needs of the people who own or work
in the shop. Overall, tall buildings are a key characteristic of CBDs, and their presence can
be used as an indicator of a CBD's location

HOW?
To find out the height of the building in Ruwi and MQ we will go to the given sites and
count the number of stories by looking at the windows laid above each other or balconies.
After that, we will find the average number of stories on each site and as a result, we will
be able to find which one of Ruwi and MQ is the CBD.

WHERE?
Souq ruwi street

1929 way

EVALUATION

Counting the building height had some problems that should have been taken into
account while I was gathering the data. One problem is the data collection may have a
bias when I was measuring the height of buildings, leading to inaccurate data. For
example, overlooking certain buildings as time is short. Another problem is Not taking into
account the slope of the land this means if the land is not level, measurements of building
height may be inaccurate. Therefore It's important to take into account the slope of the
land and adjust measurements accordingly. Lastly, the main problem is not double-
checking measurements: it's important to double-check measurements to ensure that they
are accurate. This can include measuring the same building from different angles or by
different team members. To avoid these mistakes in the future, it is important to plan the
data collection process carefully, use appropriate equipment and techniques, and to train
myself on how to collect data accurately and safely.

METHOD 5 (OWN METHOD)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: RUWI IS NOISIER THAN MQ

WHAT?

I will measure the level of noise by using a decibel meter to record readings at numerous
sites in both Ruwi and MQ. The area that is noisier will be found by comparing the average
noise levels in the two.

Why?
Measuring noise level can be an important indicator when determining whether Ruwi is a
suburb or the Central Business District (CBD). Typically, the CBD is known to have a
higher level of noise pollution due to the higher concentration of commercial and business
activities, such as traffic and human movement. On the other hand, suburbs tend to have a
lower level of noise pollution as there are fewer commercial and business activities. By
measuring the noise level in Ruwi, it can be compared to the noise level in MQ, and if the
noise level in Ruwi is found to be higher than in MQ, it can indicate that Ruwi is the CBD.

HOW?
I will measure the noise level to determine if Ruwi is a suburb or the Central Business
District (CBD). This can be done using a decibel meter or other noise level measurement
device. If done by a measurement device then it should be calibrated to ensure accuracy.
The measurement process would involve taking readings at various sites(not all because
of time) in both MQ and Ruwi, such as residential areas, commercial areas, and busy
intersections, and then averaging the results. And seeing which is noisier and therefore I
will be able to determine which is the CBD of muscat

AREA IN RUWI WHERE I MEASURED THE SOUND IN DECIBELS

AREA IN MQ WHERE I MEASURED THE SOUND IN DECIBELS
EVALUATION
When measuring the noise level in Ruwi or MQ using decibels, various issues may arise
that can affect the accuracy of the results. For instance, incorrect calibration of the noise
level measuring device can lead to inaccurate readings. Additionally, variations in weather
conditions between Ruwi and MQ can also affect the noise level measurements. Factors
such as wind, rain, and temperature can influence the results and make it difficult to
compare the noise level between the two areas. Another issue that may occur is human
error, such as not holding the decibel meter steady or not holding the microphone of the
device at a consistent distance from the source of noise. To minimize these problems and
obtain accurate and consistent results, it is essential to properly calibrate the measuring
device before each measurement session and to take measurements under different
weather conditions and at different times of the day and week. Furthermore, the person
taking the measurements should be well-trained and should follow the instructions for
using the device to reduce human error.

RENTAL PRICES SURVEY- METHOD 6 (OWN METHOD)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: MQ’S RENTAL PRICES WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IN RUWI

WHAT?
Comparing the monthly rental prices in both MQ and Ruwi depending on the house size in
sq ft

WHY?
In this survey, I will compare the land prices in Ruwi and MQ (Muscat) to determine which
area has more expensive land prices. This information can aid in identifying the central
business district (CBD) of Muscat, as typically, land prices in CBDs are much higher
compared to the suburbs. Additionally, as the cost of living is generally higher in CBDs, it
is expected that the land prices in the CBD will also be higher. By comparing the land
prices in Ruwi and MQ, this survey will provide evidence of which area is the CBD of
Muscat.

HOW?
This is the first example of secondary research Therefore I will use the internet to find all
the information. I am using OLX.COM, for instance, to research rental prices for various
buildings in Ruwi and MQ. Given that MQ is a fairly tranquil neighbourhood to live in, I
anticipate seeing higher prices there. Due to its proximity to English-speaking amenities,
MQ is home to many expats from Europe (including the UK). For instance, MQ is home to
both the British Council and the British School Muscat. MQ is a safer and more peaceful
location to live in because it has more residential areas than Ruwi. Instead of the crowded
streets of Ruwi

WHERE?
EVALUATION
One problem with this survey is that it is affected by the current economic situation,
especially with the ongoing pandemic, the real estate market may have shifted. Many
landlords may have lowered the prices of their properties in order to attract more tenants
due to a decrease in demand. This could lead to a higher concentration of low-income
residents in certain areas, which may skew the data and lead to inaccurate conclusions
about the socioeconomic status of the area. Additionally, the pandemic has led to financial
difficulties for many individuals and families, causing them to look for more affordable
housing options, which could also impact the results of the survey. When interpreting the
data collected from this survey method, it is important to consider these factors.

METHOD 7 -FIELD SKETCH (OWN METHOD)

MINI HYPOTHESIS: Buildings will be taller in MQ

What?
Field sketches of building height in Ruwi and MQ refer to drawings or illustrations that are
made on-site to depict the heights of the buildings in those areas.

WHY?
They can be used as a useful tool to identify patterns in building height, such as taller
buildings being located in the CBD, and shorter buildings in the suburbs, and to identify
any changes or trends in the built environment over time.

HOW?
We are using field sketches as a method of surveying the land uses and building heights in
Ruwi and MQ. By sketching the areas, I can visually compare the two landscapes and
identify which area has more characteristics of a typical CBD, such as tall buildings and
government buildings, versus the characteristics of a typical suburb, such as residential
buildings and fewer businesses. To ensure accuracy, I will be annotating the sketches with
specific details, such as mosques, building heights, highways, houses and schools. I will
conduct this survey by physically going to designated locations in Ruwi and MQ, where I
have a clear view of the area, and sketching what I can see. Using a pencil, I will draw the
background, middle ground, and foreground, and highlight the key characteristics of a
typical CBD. Additionally, I will make notes on any other useful information that will aid in
our investigation.

WHERE?
EVALUATION
The Field Sketch Survey Method is not perfect. For instance, the sketch is only made from
one angle, so some parts of the area may not be included due to obstructions like trees,
buildings or even due to eyesight problems, which may cause inaccurate data if important
characteristics of the area are not included in the sketch.
MAP OF RUWI:
MAP OF MQ:
iORGANISATION AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

PEDESTRIAN COUNT (+ETHNICITY) DATA

Sub Arab/Omani Western / East Asian Total

continental European
Asian (India,
Sri Lankan,
Pakistani,
Bangladeshi)

Ruwi 131 15 2 11 159

(R. Souq St)

MQ 16 6 28 4 54
(St 1929)

Pedestrian Count for Ruwi and MQ recorded in a 5 minute period- PIE CHART

Souq ruwi street:

MQ,1929 way:

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE I USED

The pedestrian count in Ruwi and MQ was recorded over a five-minute period and presented
in the form of a pie chart. This method of representation was chosen as it allows for an easy
comparison of the data by ethnicity. The use of colors in a pie chart also makes it more
visually appealing. Instead of using a box plot, which would require calculating averages and
other statistics, the pie chart effectively displays the number of individuals of each ethnicity in
a clear and concise manner. This approach is more efficient in this context as it allows for
the simultaneous representation of both ethnicity and quantity.

TRAFFIC COUNT IN RUWI:

TRAFFIC COUNT IN MQ:

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE I USED

The traffic Count Survey data presentation in box plots provides an efficient visual
representation of the average and extreme values. The use of box plots proves to be a
better method of data representation as compared to scatter diagrams, as it eliminates the
potential confusion that scatters diagrams bring. The comparison between the Traffic Count
in Ruwi and MQ as shown in the graphs reveals that Ruwi has a higher range of traffic, with
a higher maximum value, suggesting that it may serve as the central business district of
Muscat, characterised by highly congested streets.

LAND USE DATA:

TYPE OF LAND USE NUMBER OF EACH IN SOUK RUWI ST

RESIDENTIAL 29

INDUSTRIAL 4

COMMERCIAL 32

ENTERTAINMENT 1

PUBLIC BUILDINGS 4

OPEN SPACE 0

TRANSPORT 2

SERVICES 1
 TYPE OF LAND USE NUMBER OF EACH IN 1929 WAY

RESIDENTIAL 60

INDUSTRIAL 0

COMMERCIAL 7

ENTERTAINMENT 3

PUBLIC BUILDINGS 1

OPEN SPACE 4

TRANSPORT 0

SERVICES 0

Souk ruwi street bar graph:

1929 Way bar graph:

DESCRIPTION OF
TECHNIQUE I USED
To show the data collected for the land use survey, I decided to present it as a bar graph. This
is because Bar charts are commonly used to compare the size or frequency of different
categories of data, while pie charts are used to represent the proportions of a whole. In the
context of land use, it is more appropriate to use a bar chart because it provides a clearer
comparison of the different land use categories and their respective sizes or frequencies. A
bar chart allows the viewer to easily compare the height or length of the bars, making it easier
to determine the relative size of each category of land use. On the other hand, a pie chart
might be less effective in this context because it can be difficult to accurately compare the
size of each slice of the pie, especially if the categories have similar proportions. Additionally,
bar charts are typically better suited for representing data with multiple categories, while pie
charts are typically more appropriate for data with a smaller number of categories. In the case
of land use, there may be several categories, making a bar chart a more appropriate choice
for me.

CHOROPLETH MAP FOR BUILDING HEIGHT IN RUWI:

CHOROPLETH
TO SHOW
BUILDING
HEIGHT IN MQ:
DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE I USED
A choropleth map is a type of map that uses shading, colouring, or patterns to display data
values on a geographical area. In the case of building height, a choropleth map can be used
to show the distribution and range of building heights in different areas of Ruwi and MQ. By
using a choropleth map, it is possible to visualize the difference in building heights between
the two areas and to identify any patterns or trends in the data. This can help to provide
insights into the development and growth of the two areas and to determine which one is the
CBD of Muscat based on the characteristics of the buildings, such as height.

The noise level in Ruwi(All sites included)

The noise level in MQ(All sites included)

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE I USED

A line chart is a good method to represent the noise level because it provides a clear
representation of how the noise level changes using a line slope. This is particularly useful in
this case because it allows you to see any trends or patterns in the noise levels, and to easily
compare the noise levels in Ruwi and MQ. Additionally, line charts are simple and easy to
understand.
RENTAL PRICES: RUWI
RUWI: Price:

1 bedroom apartment 150 OMR per month

2 bedroom apartment 190 OMR per month

3 bedroom apartment 300 OMR per month

RENTAL PRICES: MQ
MQ: Price:

1 bedroom apartment 450 OMR per month

2 bedroom apartment 750 OMR per month

3 bedroom apartment 990 OMR per month

BAR GRAPH COMPARISON OF RENTAL PRICES IN MQ VS RUWI

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE I USED

A bar graph was used to compare rental prices between Ruwi and MQ because it allows for a
clear and direct comparison of the values of each location. The height of the bars represents
the rental prices and the categories are clearly labelled(bedroom numbers), making it easy to
compare the values and understand the differences. Additionally, bar graphs are effective in
representing continuous data, which is appropriate for rental prices. A pie chart, on the other
hand, is better suited for representing parts of a whole and would not be as effective in
comparing the exact values between two different locations.
FIELD SKETCH OF RUWI

Tall buildings with many stories

Teep Mountains restricting the growth

of Ruwi

Little
greenery or
Flat land open
space

This used to be the High percentage of air

site of muscat and noise pollution
Communication
international airport
towers in the
centre of Ruwi

FIELD SKETCH OF MQ
More
residential
areas in
MQ as No need for
residents traffic light or
want to live road signs as a
near to result of law
Largecongestion
traffic villa
BSMLots of
and style houses
ABAgreenery
and open
space

Thin
roads
Narrow roads
with lots
of
pavement
s
Less air and
noise
Constructi
pollution
on zone
for more
houses
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

MINI HYPOTHESIS: THE POPULATION DENSITY AND NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS IS

HIGHER IN RUWI THAN IN MQ

The data collected from the Pedestrian Survey in two different areas of the city, MQ and Ruwi,
reveals distinct patterns of ethnic composition. 51.9% of the pedestrians in MQ were identified
as European or Western, while only 1.3% were recorded in Ruwi. The majority of the
pedestrians in Ruwi were of Subcontinent Asian ethnicity, making up 82.4% of the total. This
disparity can be attributed to the economic differences between the two areas. MQ is a
relatively wealthy area with higher paying jobs, while Ruwi has a concentration of low-wage
jobs that are more accessible to those of Subcontinent Asian background. This disparity in the
ethnic composition is also reflected in the Burgess model of urban land use. According to this
model, the central business district (CBD) is located in the centre of the city and is surrounded
by concentric circles of differing land use. The first circle outside the CBD is typically
designated for industrial and manufacturing purposes, which often employ low-wage workers
from less economically developed countries, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the
Philippines. The pedestrian data in Ruwi supports this pattern, with a significant number of
pedestrians from these countries.

The further away the concentric circle is from the CBD, the more likely it is to be designated
for residential use. The highest class of residential use is located furthest from the CBD. This
pattern is evident in the data collected from MQ, where 11.11% of the pedestrians were
Omani/Arab, a higher-income ethnic group. These findings suggest that MQ is a higher-class
residential area and Ruwi is more characteristic of a CBD based on the Pedestrian Survey
data.

MINI HYPOTHESIS: THERE WILL BE MORE TRAFFIC IN RUWI THAN IN MQ

The comparison of traffic count between Ruwi and MQ as depicted by the box plots highlights
a significant difference in median values. The median traffic count in Ruwi was recorded as
65, which is nearly three times higher than the median count of 19.5 recorded in MQ.
Additionally, the maximum traffic count recorded in Ruwi (166) surpasses MQ's maximum
count (37) by 60%, further emphasizing the significantly higher traffic flow in Ruwi.
Typically, central business districts (CBDs) experience high levels of traffic congestion, and
this is supported by David Waugh's comparison table between a CBD and a suburb.
According to this table, CBDs have wide dual carriageway roads while suburbs have
narrower, single-lane roads. The higher traffic count in Ruwi, even despite the smaller car-
fitting roads, confirms its characteristics as a CBD while MQ's lower traffic count aligns with
the characteristics of a suburb. These observations are crucial in evaluating the central
business district of Muscat in this survey.
MINI HYPOTHESIS: RUWI’S LAND USE WILL BE DOMINATED BY SHOPS, BUSINESSES,
OFFICE BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDINGS AND WHERE MQ LANDUSE WILL
BE MORE RESIDENTIAL
The bar chart depicts the land usage in MQ and Ruwi. In MQ, the majority of the land is
utilized as residential sites with over 55 recorded on the 1929 way. This aligns with the
characteristics of a suburban area, indicating that it may not be the central business district
(CBD) of Muscat. On the other hand, less than half of the land in Ruwi is designated for
residential purposes, with only 26 recorded sites on Ruwi Souq Street. The majority of the
land in Ruwi Souq Street is utilized for commercial purposes, with more than half of the street
comprised of commercial buildings. Additionally, there are 35 recorded commercial sites and
3 industrial sites on Ruwi Souq Street. In comparison, the 1929 way in MQ does not contain
any industrial sites but has 7 commercial sites. The results from the bar chart indicate that
Ruwi has more characteristics of a CBD compared to MQ. Typically, a CBD is comprised
mainly of commercial sites such as businesses and retail shops, while a suburban area is
dominated by residential sites. The Burgess Land Use Model supports this conclusion, as it
demonstrates that the CBD has a higher concentration of each category of land usage,
ranging from service buildings to commercial buildings, entertainment, and more. On the
other hand, MQ's data shows fewer businesses and predominantly residential land usage,
which is consistent with a suburban area. The comparison table by David Waugh further
strengthens this argument by pointing out that a CBD typically has fewer businesses.

MINI HYPOTHESIS: BUILDINGS IN RUWI ARE TALLER THAN MQ

The choropleth map reveals that Ruwi has taller buildings, on average, compared to MQ. The
average building height in MQ is three stories, while in Ruwi it stands at five or more stories.
Based on the data presented in the map, only 27% of the buildings in MQ have more than
three stories, whereas 100% of the buildings in Ruwi have the same or greater height. The
highest buildings in MQ are made up of four stories, whereas in Ruwi, the highest buildings
reach nine or more stories. The map also shows that a larger area in Ruwi has buildings with
four or more stories, whereas in MQ the area with buildings of such height is smaller.
According to the Bid-Rent theory, the closer a location is to the CBD, the more expensive its
land becomes. This helps explain why buildings in certain areas are taller. Building upwards is
more economical than building outwards as it requires less land, which is expensive near the
CBD. Therefore, based on the survey, it can be inferred that Ruwi has taller buildings because
the land there is more expensive, making it another characteristic of a CBD. Conversely, the
land in suburban areas (further from the CBD) is less expensive, allowing owners to build
longer structures instead of taller ones as they can afford the land.

MINI HYPOTHESIS: RUWI IS NOISIER THAN MQ

The data provided shows the decibel levels of noise at several Ruwi locations, along with a
comparison to locations in MQ. Site 1 and Site 2 in Ruwi have noise levels of 55 and 60 dB,
respectively. Site 4's noise level is 55 decibels, which is identical to Site 1's, and Site 3's noise
level is 65 dB. With a decibel level of 70, Site 5 in Ruwi has the loudest noise levels of any of
the sites. Site 5 has the lowest noise level in MQ at 12 decibels, while Site 4 has the highest
noise level at 30 dB. In contrast, the noise levels at sites in MQ are typically lower. This means
that MQ is a quiet area while Ruwi is busy.

MINI HYPOTHESIS: FLATS RENTED IN RUWI ARE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IN MQ

The data displayed on the bar charts demonstrate that the cost of renting an apartment in MQ
is consistently higher compared to the cost of renting an apartment in Ruwi. For instance, the
monthly rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in MQ is 450 OMR, which is three times
more expensive than the monthly rental price of a one-bedroom apartment in Ruwi, which is
150 OMR. The trend of MQ's higher rental prices continues for two-bedroom apartments,
where MQ charges 750 OMR per month, whereas Ruwi charges 190 OMR per month. This
results in MQ's prices being 294.737% higher than Ruwi's prices. Lastly, for the three-bedroom
apartments, MQ charges 990 OMR, while Ruwi charges 300 OMR, indicating that MQ's three-
bedroom apartments are three times more expensive than those in Ruwi.

The cost of renting a property in a central business district (CBD) tends to be higher due to
the premium value placed on the land in these areas and the high population densities that
create demand for limited housing spaces. This is in contrast to Ruwi, which has lower rental
prices due to its lower land value and its residents being of a lower income and not coming
from wealthy backgrounds. This presents a deviation from the Bid Rent Theory which posits
that the most valuable land is located in the CBD.

FIELD SKETCH
MINI HYPOTHESIS: THERE IS MORE OPEN SPACE IN MQ THAN IN RUWI
In the annotated field sketches, the visual representation of Ruwi displays taller and more
densely packed structures, as evidenced by the close proximity of the numerous windows.
This is due to a higher concentration of buildings compared to MQ. The roads in Ruwi also
contain a greater number of cars compared to the quiet and less congested and narrow
streets in MQ. As stated in David Waugh's comparison of a Central Business District (CBD)
and a suburb, CBDs typically experience more traffic congestion and busy streets, which
aligns with the situation depicted in the Ruwi field sketch. In contrast, suburbs, like MQ, are
characterized by a lack of traffic congestion and fewer cars on the roads as a result less air
and noise pollution, as shown in the field sketch.

Furthermore, the field sketch of MQ displays a significant amount of open space, unlike Ruwi,
where the majority of the land is utilized for buildings, roads, or public gardens. According to
the Burgess Land Use Model, CBDs are located in the centre of concentric rings and are
typically the oldest settlements, while suburbs, located on the outermost rings, are the newest
settlements. This model aligns with the observation made in the field sketch, where Ruwi, as
an older settlement, contains more buildings, while MQ, as a newer settlement, still has a lot
of open space. Additionally, the houses and buildings in Ruwi appear older-fashioned, while
those in MQ seem more modernized, further indicating that MQ may still be in the process of
development.
CONCLUSION

In summary, the data I collected supports the hypothesis that Ruwi is the central business
district (CBD) of Muscat. The mini-hypotheses I formed helped me connect my surveys to the
main hypothesis. I conducted seven surveys, including land use, building height, traffic count,
pedestrian count, rental prices, noise level, and field sketch. Six of the surveys provided
evidence that supports the hypothesis, by showing that Ruwi shares similar characteristics
with a typical CBD. However, one survey contradicted this hypothesis as its characteristics did
not match David Waugh's table for a typical CBD, and the land use survey results were also
inconsistent with a typical CBD.

In my introduction, I mentioned that important characteristics of a typical CBD include things

like high traffic and footfall, as well as tall buildings. I found that Ruwi has all of these
characteristics and is closely connected to the typical CBD characteristics outlined in David
Waugh's table. Additionally, Ruwi is centrally located among government buildings and public
transportation, which is another important feature. However, unlike Hoyt or Burgess's land
use models, Ruwi cannot be considered the CBD because it is not located in the centre of
Muscat. This is due to Muscat's development being forced to follow a linear pattern along the
coast of Oman, with the mountains on the other side. Despite this, Muscat still follows Harris-
Lillman's multi-nuclei model.

As I mentioned earlier, according to the land use models, the CBD is usually located near the
original industrial facilities of a settlement. As Muscat grew from the port of Muttrah, Ruwi's
location near Muttrah indicates that it's likely the CBD of Muscat. On the other hand, MQ is
quite far from the original settlement of Muttrah and only became a significant settlement area
after the Sultan Qaboos Highway was built.

Ruwi exhibits the key characteristics of a CBD with a high volume of traffic and footfall,
indicating its busyness in comparison to MQ. According to my bar graph, commercial land use
dominates most of Ruwi, while MQ is mainly residential, which aligns with the typical features
of a CBD and a suburb, respectively. My field sketches also confirm this observation, as Ruwi
predominantly comprises shops and businesses, whereas MQ primarily features houses. This
evidence establishes that Ruwi has a higher concentration of commercial buildings than MQ,
supporting my mini hypothesis. Moreover, since CBDs tend to have more traffic and footfall,
they generate more noise from people and cars, whereas residential areas like MQ, with cul-
de-sac streets, tend to be quieter, as observed in my mini hypothesis of 'Ruwi will have a
higher noise level than MQ.'

Also in Ruwi, there is a high demand for different types of land use, such as offices, shops,
government buildings, and public transport services. Due to the limited space, buildings had to
become taller to fit all these purposes. This is a significant feature of a CBD, as stated in David
Waugh's table. CBDs have very tall buildings, which is related to the Bid-rent theory. Expensive
land in CBDs means that owners build upwards rather than outwards to save money. Compared to
Ruwi, MQ has shorter buildings. The height of buildings in Ruwi decreases as it moves away from
the center. My field sketches show how much taller the buildings are in Ruwi compared to MQ,
proving the main hypothesis that 'Ruwi is the CBD of Muscat'.

Ruwi has a lot of commercial buildings such as shops, businesses, restaurants, public areas,
and transport services. This attracts many people to the area and leads to a high pedestrian
count. On the other hand, MQ is mostly residential, so there isn't much for tourists or visitors
to do, resulting in a lower pedestrian count compared to Ruwi. A high pedestrian count is a
significant feature of a CBD, which supports our hypothesis that 'Ruwi will have a higher
pedestrian count than MQ'.

Due to the predominant commercial use of land in Ruwi and its central business district (CBD),
there is a significant inflow of vehicles into the area. The abundance of buildings in Ruwi,
including banks, offices, theaters, and other commercial establishments, makes it a hub for
employment opportunities, attracting a large number of people to work there. As a result,
people frequently commute to Ruwi from other locations, causing a high volume of traffic that
could potentially lead to congestion.

This situation is a common characteristic of CBDs globally, where the high concentration of
commercial activities attracts a significant amount of vehicle traffic. Ruwi's CBD is no
exception, with its bustling commercial sector and diverse range of businesses attracting a
variety of vehicles, including private cars, taxis, commercial vans, and lorries. The sheer
volume of commercial vehicles entering Ruwi is a clear indication of its status as a hub for
commercial activity, with businesses and industries flocking to the area to take advantage of
the numerous opportunities available.

My field sketches highlight the differences in building heights between Ruwi and MQ. The
buildings in Ruwi are notably taller, with the tallest ones located at the city center, gradually
shortening as they spread outwards. This pattern is typical of a central business district (CBD)
and is supported by the Bid-rent theory, which states that the cost of land decreases as you
move further from the CBD. Hence, to maximize the use of expensive land at the center of
Ruwi, buildings were constructed to greater heights than those in the suburbs.

The field sketches also demonstrate that Ruwi has a higher volume of vehicular traffic
compared to MQ, indicating that it is a bustling and noisy urban center. This attribute is a
significant characteristic of a CBD, as noted in David Waugh’s comparison table, and supports
the hypothesis that Ruwi has a high traffic count. Moreover, the scarcity of open spaces in
Ruwi, as evidenced in the sketches, suggests that the area is congested, with buildings
constructed closer together than in MQ.
Additionally, the age of the two areas can be inferred from the field sketches, with Ruwi
having an older and more historic character than MQ. This is because the buildings in Ruwi
appear older, while the construction sites in MQ indicate that it is a relatively newer
development. This finding is consistent with the Burgess land use model, which posits that
CBDs are typically some of the oldest parts of a city, with subsequent development radiating
outward from the center in concentric zones.

After conducting research on rental prices in Ruwi and MQ, it was found that typically, a CBD
area has higher rental prices. This can be attributed to the Bid-rent theory which indicates that
land prices increase the closer they are to the center of a city. Although this supports the
hypothesis that ‘Ruwi will have higher rental prices than MQ’, it was found that Ruwi had
cheaper apartment rental prices. However, it is important to note that one survey does not
hold as much weight as other factors that were considered.

Upon analyzing David Waugh's CBD to Suburb comparison table, it was concluded that Ruwi
had more characteristics from the CBD column such as tall buildings, traffic congestion, high
pedestrian count, and many commercial buildings. These findings were supported by field
sketches, surveys, and data charts. On the other hand, MQ had more characteristics from the
suburb column like low rise buildings, residential land use, and more open space.

Overall, the hypothesis that ‘Ruwi is the CBD of Muscat’ still holds true, as Ruwi met six out of
seven criteria of a CBD. Although there was one survey where Ruwi was considered ‘un-CBD
like’, the other characteristics related closely to a typical CBD. This highlights the fact that
while all CBDs share similar characteristics, there can be anomalies and differences. Even
though Ruwi had cheaper land prices than expected, this did not significantly impact the final
conclusion.

EVALUATION:
BUILDING HEIGHT SURVEY

The survey method we used to determine the number of floors in each building was not very
professional, and it could have led to inaccurate data. Our mini hypothesis of ‘Ruwi has taller
buildings than MQ’ may not be reliable due to potential errors in our data. For example, we
might have overestimated the height of buildings in Ruwi, which would affect the accuracy of
the choropleth map we created. Additionally, some buildings were obstructed by construction
or other objects, which could have caused errors in our data. To address these issues, we
should count each building individually by walking across the street and repeating the
process to obtain more reliable data.

LAND USE SURVEY:

TRAFFIC COUNT
There were a number of issues that made this survey less reliable and accurate. The survey
was conducted in an unprofessional manner, relying solely on our own judgment and visual
observation, which may have resulted in the loss of a significant number of vehicles. This
greatly decreases the accuracy of our data and raises the possibility that our final findings will
be incorrect. Additionally, we gathered the data in Ruwi and MQ over the course of the day,
which introduces a bias toward rush hour. Since MQ was interviewed at noon when most
people were at work or school, the traffic statistic plummeted. It's possible that Ruwi had
higher traffic because it was surveyed in the morning when people were rushing to get
home.Due to time bias, our data may be inaccurate and biased, and as a result, the averages
may not match actual averages.

To get over these restrictions, we need gather an average of the data recorded in both
locations at the same times of day (for example, 9 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm). It would also be
beneficial to repeat similar actions on several days, particularly Sundays, when there is
typically greater morning traffic owing to college students coming to campus. We can get a
more complete and accurate picture of the traffic patterns in these locations by doing this. As
a result, we may avoid drawing false inferences and base our judgments on solid information.

PEDESTRIAN COUNT
The pedestrian count survey was conducted similarly to the traffic count survey, where we
used our eyes to count the number of people passing by our point. However, it's possible that
we missed some individuals while recording the data, which could result in an inaccurate
average. Additionally, determining the ethnicity of pedestrians was based on our
assumptions, which is not a reliable or accurate method.

Moreover, the survey for the pedestrian count was carried out at different times in MQ and
Ruwi, causing biases in the results. The timing of the day can impact the level of pedestrian
traffic in an area. For example, at 2:15 PM, students finish school and may be walking home or
hanging out with friends, which could cause an increase in pedestrian count in that area.
Conversely, at 12 PM, most people are likely to be at work or school, resulting in a lower
pedestrian count in that area.

To these inaccuracies, we can conduct the survey at the same time of day and on the same
day in both areas. It may be helpful to divide the group to ensure comprehensive coverage of
the area. By doing so, we can obtain more accurate data that can aid in determining the "CBD
of Muscat" without relying on unreliable information.