Exploring the Transformative Effects of GPS and Satellite Imagery on Urban Landscape Perceptions in Baghdad: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

This study explores the transformative impact of technological advancements, specifically satellite imagery and GPS systems, on the urban landscape perceptions of Baghdad residents.With urban environments increasingly integrating digital technologies, understanding these changes is vital for urban planning and improving urban life quality.This research examines how technology integration affects residents' connections to their city, influencing navigation, social interactions, and urban experiences.Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to evaluate the relationship between technology usage and urban perception.Baghdad serves as an ideal case study due to its historical significance and rapid urban development, offering a rich context for analyzing traditional and digital navigation intersections.The study addresses how to integrate digital technologies into urban settings without eroding cultural identity and familiarity with landmarks essential to heritage and belonging.Findings reveal that while GPS enhances navigational efficiency, it leads to decreased familiarity with physical landmarks, with respondents showing moderate reliance on GPS (mean score 2.77) and low landmark familiarity (mean score 1.27).Despite this, a strong emotional connection to the city persists, indicating that digital tools have not fully diminished sensory and emotional engagement with Baghdad's urban landscape.