/library/oar/handle/123456789/4348 2025-11-12T06:30:09Z 2025-11-12T06:30:09Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139248 2025-09-25T10:56:12Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Urban transformations in a Mediterranean island state : the case of Malta Abstract: Land is a limited natural resource. One of the main land uses is related to settlement development, which plays a central role in a myriad of human activities. The expansion of these settlements is referred to as urban growth and generally happens at the expense of natural and agricultural land cover. Measuring and understanding these growth patterns is of vital importance for land management and planning. This need is more accentuated in a small-island states given the scarcity of this resource. This study aims to investigate urban growth in Malta and develop future trajectories for growth using data retrieved from local development planning applications submitted to Malta’s Planning Authority, the authority responsible for development control and planning in the islands. A web scraping technique was used to extract data from the public online database and a text mining approach was used to identify keywords implying urban growth from the granted development planning applications’ descriptors. The study investigates the different forms of urban growth happening over the last thirty years: infilling, edge-expansion and outlying development. These were used to test the applicability of the Theory of Diffusion and Coalescence to the case of Malta. Moreover, the study looked at various predictors of urban growth presented in the literature and determined, which of these are those that are applicable to Malta’s case. These predictors were subsequently used to model urban growth in Malta using logistic regression. The model developed predicted simulations showing the areas likely to experience urban growth in future years. In conclusion, the patterns determined in the study were analysed and discussed. The outcomes of this work will lead to better measurement of urban growth in Malta and concurrently provide new methods that can be used in the study of planning and land management. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138405 2025-08-26T10:28:36Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploring the geographical significance of street names in Malta Abstract: This dissertation explores the geographical significance of different street naming themes in Malta. Focusing on the importance of location in the naming of streets, the study employs mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys and site visits. Interviews with experts provided deeper insights into street naming in Malta, including the naming process, expert opinions and suggestions. In contrast, questionnaires distributed to the general public gathered their perspectives on street name knowledge and their feelings about street names. Site visits further contributed to understanding the selected street naming themes and localities, while mapping these names allowed for an analysis of their concentration and spatial distribution. The results suggest a need for more initiatives to inform and raise public awareness about this topic. Additionally, patterns in the concentration of these street names were identified, showing that certain themes tend to cluster in specific localities, reflecting historical, cultural and functional influences. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138345 2025-08-25T10:51:07Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Too far gone? : measuring the tourism attractiveness of Malta's most rural localities Abstract: As with many popular European tourist destinations, Malta has increasingly been impacted by the negative consequences associated with mass tourism. Given the country's small size and high pressure on land-use, it has been particularly vulnerable to these effects. In response, the country is seeking to shift towards alternative forms of tourism that support more manageable growth and a sustainable tourism market. One such form is rural tourism, yet the potential for Malta to be an attractive rural tourism destination remains under-explored. This research selects the two most rural localities on the country’s main island and evaluates their attractiveness as rural tourism destinations. Localities are selected by constructing a continuous rurality index for the island. The two most rural localities are identified as L-Imġarr and Ħad-Dingli. A hierarchical Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model is developed to assess rural tourism attractiveness through expert evaluation. Experts rank the importance of the model variables and score them for each locality. The variables are weighted according to the rankings, and the scores are then combined to produce an overall attractiveness score for each locality. L-Imġarr outperforms Ħad-Dingli, receiving consistently high scores across all categories. Ħad-Dingli, while scoring lower overall, excels in categories related to its natural resources. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for tourism planners and policymakers. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/127042 2024-10-01T08:00:31Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Beyond decibels : analysing community responses and mapping noise hotspots around Luqa airport Abstract: This dissertation delves into the intricate web of community responses and noise hotspots surrounding Luqa Airport, extending the discourse beyond conventional decibel measurements. Focused on understanding the multifaceted impact of airport noise on local residents, the study employs a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, and noise mapping. Through questionnaires distributed to residents living in the vicinity of Luqa Airport, perceptions of noise annoyance, coping mechanisms, and communication effectiveness regarding noise reduction initiatives are investigated. Spatial analysis techniques are employed to map noise hotspots, identifying areas with heightened noise exposure and vulnerability. By transcending traditional metrics and embracing a holistic perspective, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between airport operations, community perceptions, and environmental noise, paving the way for more effective noise management policies and practices. The results suggested that there is a high perception of noise among communities surrounding Luqa airport. Furthermore, according to the results from the noise map, spots of high sound levels where identified, some also in close proximity of the airport. This finding underscores the urgent need for increased consideration and implementation of noise mitigation measures to alleviate the negative impact of airport noise on affected communities. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z