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Cinq Continents Volume 9, Numéro 19, 2019, p. 1-28
Mapping of spatial evolution in central
northern Algerian Sahara: Rural dynamics and
the remodelling of space
Tayeb ADDOUN
Sommaire :
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 195
2. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................... 195
2.1. Study area ......................................................................................................................................................... 196
2.2. Geographic location ...................................................................................................................................... 196
2.3. Material and methods .................................................................................................................................. 197
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................................................................................. 199
3.1. The origin of the names of Sebseb .......................................................................................................... 199
3.2. Diagnostic spatial cartography of the user map ............................................................................... 199
3.3. Dynamics and spatial analysis of the local population .................................................................. 201
3.4. Mapping Sebseb oasis environments .................................................................................................... 205
4. CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................................ 205
5. REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 205
Citer ce document :
ADDOUN, T. 2021. Mapping of spatial evolution in central northern Algerian Sahara: Rural
dynamics and the remodelling of space. Cinq Continents 11 (24): 193-206.
Volume 11 / Numéro 24
Hiver 2021
ISSN : 2247 - 2290
p. 193-206
Geography Department, Oran 2 University
EGEAT Research Laboratory, University of Oran 2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, Bir El Djir, Algeria.
addoun.tayeb@gmail.com
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
Mapping of spatial evolution in central northern Algerian Sahara:
Rural dynamics and the remodelling of space
Tayeb ADDOUN
Cartographie de l'évolution spatiale dans le centre nord du Sahara algérien :
Dynamique rurale et remodelage de l'espace. Cet article se propose d'étudier et
de présenter une évolution spatiale dans le centre nord du Sahara algérien, pour le
cas de la commune de Sebseb, le développement rural et le remodelage de l'espace
en utilisant des Systèmes d'Information Géographique (SIG) et des données de
multiples sources afin d'analyser les caractéristiques spatiales de l'habitat rural.
Cette étude, est composée de trois axes principaux ; le premier axe est le cadre de
l'étude porte avant tout sur diverses approches théoriques de l'évolution spatiale
de l'espace rural de représentation cartographique, puis le cadrage spatial de
l'étude zone, qui se situe dans la région du Sahara en termes de présentation,
localisation, structure et organisation. Le deuxième axe est l'identification de
l'origine du nom de Sebseb. Aussi, connaissance spatiale de l'environnement et des
différents types d'inégalités (sociales, spatiales et temporelles) pour modéliser
l'espace de vie. Le dernier axe est la synthèse qui est à la fois l'espace pour
examiner l'apport de la dynamique et du remodelage de l'espace, et la cartographie
pour tester l'apport de l'animation dans la représentation cartographique des
dynamiques spatiales dans ce territoire rural. Les principales conclusions de cette
recherche sont que le développement et les agglomérations de population rurale à
Sebseb varient considérablement. Il est également clair que les étapes et
l'évolution des modèles spatiaux sont fortement affectées et dominées par des
facteurs politiques et géographiques.
Mots clés: Sahara algérien, espace rural, systèmes d'information géographique
(SIG), dynamique spatiale, cartographie.
Mapping of spatial evolution in central northern Algerian Sahara: Rural
dynamics and the remodelling of space. This paper intends to investigate and
presents a spatial evolution in the central northern Algerian Sahara, in the case of
the town of Sebseb, as for rural development and the remodelling of space by using
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data multiple sources. In order to
analysis the spatial characteristics of rural settlement. This research is composed
by three main axes; the first axis is the frame of the study is primarily on various
theoretical approaches to the spatial evolution of rural space of representation
mapping, then the spatial framing of the study Sebseb area, which located in the
Sahara region in terms of presentation, location, structure, and organization. The
second axis is the identification the origin of the name of Sebseb. Also, spatial
knowledge of the environment and different types of inequalities (social, spatial
and temporal) to model the space of life. The last axis is the synthesis that is both
space to examine the contribution of the dynamics and reshaping of space, and
mapping to test the contribution of the animation in the cartographic
representation of spatial dynamics in this rural area. The main findings from this
research are that the development and of rural settlement agglomerations in
Sebseb varies vary significantly. It is also clear that the stages and evolution of
spatial patterns are strongly affected and dominated by both policy and location
factors.
Keywords: Algerian Sahara, rural space, Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
spatial dynamics, mapping.
T. ADDOUN
[195]
1. INTRODUCTION
Mapping is just one form of the output geoinformation which, we consider
important as basic information for any planning purpose, however the term cartography
is used for such data acquisition. Without this information, no modern management of
societies cannot be achieved, and according to (Jacobsen et al, 2008) mapping today is
the acquisition of data for Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Although in many
countries in general, especially in developing countries, there is no up to date mapping
information available.
Today, some scholars believe that maps play a role in producing territory
(Fogelman and Bassett, 2016) because the mapping is an essential tool for the spatial
evolution of a space. So, the spatial analysis is an integral part of the science of mapping,
that is to say, the establishment of a study which takes account of the forms of space
organizations, their dynamics, and their developments. In addition, GIS is used
extensively to perform spatial analysis related to many of our important resources
(Bossler et al, 2004). To enhance and preserve these valuable landscapes (Allouche et al,
2016).
Sebseb is one of the thirteen oases that encompasses the region of Ghardaïa. This
oasis is known for the last thirty years, various phenomena in urban and rural areas,
even if the problem of the dynamics of the space both in the city as well as in the town of
Sebseb urban and rural development problems that the most often see us in recent
years.
In order to highlight of Sebseb region situated in the north-central Algerian Sahara,
the study focuses on the diachronic analysis of the spatial evolution in the Sebseb region,
this remains an unknown destination. Located ten kilometres from the Mzab Valley, it is
one of the “richest” regions both for the virtues of its "natural" landscapes and for its
oasis patrimony for centuries. How they can study the evolution of the space and the
process of organization across use them mapping; relying on theories and statistical,
mathematical and graphical models.
2. METHODOLOGY
The case studies consisted of two phases. In the first one, give a general
presentation of the study area and in the second a series of maps was prepared tracing
the evolution rural area in Sebseb region, because the area during the last 20 years
witnessed sever land development due to natural causes and anthropogenic activities
especially rural settlements. As a result, the region has not experienced the
deindustrialization since the 1980s. It has kept on exhibiting agricultural gains.
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
2.1. Study area
The study area corresponds to a small municipality located in province of
Ghardaia, South-east of Algerian Sahara. The municipality of Sebseb is occupies a
privileged geographical position in the northern Algerian Sahara and covers an area of
5.640 km² (0.23 % of Algeria total area and 6.66 % of the Ghardaia region).
2.2. Geographic location
Sebseb located about 60km from the capital of the Mzab Valley (province of
Ghardaia). It is limited to the north by the municipality of Metlili Chaamba, south of the
town of Ain Beida in the wilaya Ouargla, in the West, the municipality of Brezina, wilaya
of El Bayadh, and finally, to the East, by the town of El Mansoura (Figure 1).
Its location reflects a strategic importance as one of the most important
agricultural area in the region of Ghardaia (Figure 2). In addition to its touristic
potential, the area is also known by the diversification of its craft, agricultural and the
Figure 1. Location of the study area
T. ADDOUN
[197]
diversification of natural resources such as water resources, rangelands, and cultural
patrimony. Its development is based primarily on tree crops, livestock, and palm trees.
Agricultural activity in the area of Sebseb is the most dominant activity, despite the
difficulties that limit the development of this sector such as low rainfall and soil type. It
is based mainly on palm trees. Arable land is mainly occupied by the tree and the rest of
the area is occupied by cereals, vegetables and legumes that are traditional crops with
low yields.
Figure 2. Location of the working area
2.3. Material and methods
Today the Mapping is a data acquisition for Geo Information Systems. According to
the definition of (Kane & Trochim, 2007), mapping is a structured approach that
integrates qualitative and quantitative data in order to organize the ideas of different
groups of stakeholders in a common framework (Figure 3).
Lahrite
El Bordj
Slama
Chaâbes
El Argoube
El Ferd
El Djedi
Toward RN n ° 01
Toward Bukhanfous
Toward Brezina
Toward Metlili
Administrative District
APC of Sebseb
02,5 5Km
Agricultural perimeter
agglomeration
Oasis limits
Waid
Roads
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
Figure 3. Analysis and processing phases
In order to achieve our objectives, we have collected the necessary data from
different institutions and services (Table 1). For each type of data, we applied a
preliminary treatment as required GIS integration formats (National Office of Statistics,
INCT). In this case, the using of different cartographic supports; topographical map of
Ghardaïa sheet NI- 31-IV at a scale of 1/200.000 (France Army, 1960) Google earth. Also,
the study was based primarily on statistical data from the general census of the
population and housing; intercensal period (1987, 2008) and estimates 2020 from the
National Office of Statistics (ONS) and estimates of Direction of Programming and
Budget Monitoring (D.P.S.B) of Ghardaïa region as comparative. The method was based
on the study and analysis of data using some computer programmers such as Microsoft
Excel. Regardless of the use of GIS the elevation measurement was used to enhance the
digital elevation model (DEM) by creating a digital terrain model (DTM) to insure an
accurate representation of valley stream of Sebseb area.
Table 1. Typology and sources of collected data
Organization/Direction
Data type
Properties
National Office of Statistics
(ONS)
data statistical
General census of the population
and housing; intercensal period
(1987, 2008, 2020).
Google earth
Image 2018 Digital
Globe.
-
ASTER Global Digital Elevation
Model (DEM).
Satellite Image
(ASTGTM)
Spatial resolution: 30 (m)
TheNational Institute of
Cartography and Remote
Sensing (INCT)
Topographic Map
Scale= 1/200 000
Spatiotemporal
study: graphic and
representation
mapping
Spatiotemporal
study: diachronic
change.
Collection
pretreatments
data
T. ADDOUN
[199]
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. The origin of the names of Sebseb
The origin of Sebseb which make up the town and their interpretations does not
appear on any document or works of academic research. The people who form
communities of these villages are almost unanimous about the origin and interpretation
of the name given to their locality.
The etymology of three names of Sebseb is related to water or 86% (water courses,
Wadi).
We can quote:
The chief town of Sebseb has been coming from the Arabic name which has many
meanings; one is a name that means a land flat and wide in the desert. Another meaning
comes from the verb Sebseb has Elmaa which meant the water flows.
Formerly Sebseb in Arabic word named Wadi musk, which also means fertile land
is spread over the edge of the Wadi Sebseb.
Zone of Sebseb is the neighboring land of Chebka Mzab, playing fording place for
caravans on wadi which bears the same name (Waid Sebseb).
3.2. Diagnostic spatial cartography of the user map
Cartography is used in several areas of scientific research, and these roles can be
categorized according to the stages of scientific enquiry in which they are applied (Roth,
2013), in this case topographic Map of Sebseb in the Landscapes (Figure 4) are the one
of the tools available which views the arrangement of things in the area the study. Maps
of various kinds—road maps, political maps, land use maps, maps of the world—serve
many different purposes.
One of the most widely used of all maps is the topographic map. The feature that
most distinguishes topographic maps from maps of other types is the use of contour
lines to portray the shape and elevation of the land. Topographic maps render the three-
dimensional ups and downs of the terrain on a two-dimensional surface.
Topographic maps usually portray both natural and manmade features. They show
and name works of nature, including mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and
vegetation. They also identify the principal works of man, such as roads, boundaries,
transmission lines, and major buildings.
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
Figure 4. Layer of Sebseb superimposed on the topographic map
Figure 5. The digital land model of Sebseb region
Figure 6. Improved DTM and slopes map derived
T. ADDOUN
[201]
The topography of the study area is flat with small slope in the elevations from 422
to 638 m above Mean Sea Level, above that the slope increase relatively to 50 m, the
area located above that has extreme steep slope. The soil in general is a Chebka of
M'zab. After analyzing the series of sources of collected data observations the elevation
measurement was used to enhance the digital elevation model (DEM) by creating a
digital terrain model (DTM) to insure an accurate representation of the flood plain area.
Using (ArcMap) software. Where she was the main data used in this study was the
Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) and the image from Digital Globe 2018.Which
were acquisitions is freely available via the web portal, in addition to the basic maps of
layer the town of Sebseb, that include Locality Boundary shape file, Administrative units
shape file, Populated area shape file.
Elevation data Model DEM is a representation of the topography of an area of land.
DEM data files contain the elevation of a given area – usually at an interval of a fixed
geographical grid (Garni R et al., 2014). Here, a 30 m resolution DEM derived from the
ASTGTM (The Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection) was used to
calculate the elevation and the slope for each point of the study area.
According the analysis of satellite images, and through the Google Earth software
we came to the production of maps of everything related to the slope, the road network
and map of the locations of the existing settlements.
From the digital terrain model; we realized map follow representing the digital
land model of the Chebka the Mzab a part of Sebseb (Figure 5). So, the purple surface
indicates the areas that are at an altitude lower than 800 m. With the information from
the DTM you get the slope map (Figure 6).
3.3. Dynamics and spatial analysis of the local population
3.3.1. Oasis of Sebseb: the evolution the population between (1998-2018)
Through the determinant of dynamics demographic and development change in
Sebseb, this village has grown about thirty years (BISSON,1989). According to the
statistically, since 1998, the local population was estimated at 1.993inhabitants,
representing 0.67% of the population of Ghardaia region. Half of this population, about
60 percent, resided in the chief towns of Sebseb the rest, fewer 40% represents the
nomadic population in scattered zones.
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Principal
Agglomeration
Secondary
Agglomeration
Scattered Zone
Pop98
Pop2008
POP2018
Table 2. The evolution of the local population between (1998-2008-2018)
Municipality of
Sebseb
Pop 98
Pop 2008
Pop
2018
Annual growth rate (AGR)
98/08
08/2014
98/2018
Principal
Agglomeration
1226
1419
1696
1.48
3,02
2,05
Secondary
Agglomeration
0
338
704
-
13,01
-
Scattered Zone
767
680
1052
-1.21
7,54
1,99
Total population
1993
2437
3452
2.04
5,97
3,49
Source: O.N.S (1998,2008) + Estimates of Direction of Programming and Budget Monitoring 2018
The characteristic of the development of the local population in 2008 (Table 2), the
annual growth rate is lower, there were 1.48% in this area, however (-1.21%) in
scattered zone. So we observed local growth rate exceeded the national growth rate
(1.39%) (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Evolution of the local population between (1998-2008-2018)
The Annual growth rate (AGR) is calculated by the following relationship:
P1
=
P0 (1+ R) n
P0 : The number of population at the beginning of period.
P1: Thenumber of the population at the end of period.
R: The Annual growth rate.
n: years between intercensal period.
T. ADDOUN
[203]
0
500
1000
1500
2000
Pop 87 Pop2008 Pop2018
Urban population
rural population
3.3.2. Sebseb a sparsely populated oasis in the predominantly rural
The population of Sebseb municipality remains in his rural majority if one
considers as rural settlement. In this case the local population of less than 5000
inhabitants, this represents a completely rural agglomeration (Table 3).
Table 3. presentation of the urban-rural population between (1987-2018)
Municipality of
Sebseb
Pop 87
%
Pop 2008
%
Pop 2018
%
Urban
population
54
2,67
1419
58,23
1696
49,13
rural
population
1967
97,33
1018
41,77
1756
50,87
Total
population
2021
100
2437
100
3452
100
Source: O.N.S (1987, 2008) + Estimates of Direction of Programming and Budget Monitoring 2018
According to the 1987 census, the rural population of Sebseb has decreased since
1.967 of which only 1. 018 are occupied, represents 41.77% of the rural population.
Despite the evolution of the local population in the intercensal period (2008, 2018),
Sebseb remains in its rural majority, brings together the life of the nomadic population
to sedentary life (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Percentage of urban / rural population between (1987-2008-2018)
Cinq Continents Volume 11, Numéro 24, 2021, p. 193 -206
El Bordj
Sebseb
Chaâbes
El Argoube
El Ferd
Lahrite
Chaab Nacer
El Djder
Slama
El Djedi
Chaibet Tamer
ELhouar
Sebseb Agglomeration
Ancient palm groves
Agricultural perimeter
Mahsar Chlef
Roads
Waid
Chebka the M'zab
0 2,5 5Km
Municipality of Sebseb is divided into two sections: Urban section that represents
49.13 % of the population and Rural section which represents 50.87 % of the local
population and its residents depends on grazing and agriculture in their life. The
population of the Sebseb town is 3 452 inhabitants according to 2014 census and they
represent 0.78% of the total population of Ghardaïa.
Currently, the population of Sebseb Agglomeration is about 3 thousand (with an
annual growth of 3.49% in the intercensal period (2008, 2018). which represents 0.78%
of the total population of Ghardaïa. If includes the town of Sebseb and neighboring:
Eldjder, Salama, Lahrith, El fared, Chaibet Tamer....These rural settlement sheltering
3452 inhabitants (D.P.S.B, 2018).
According to its general landscape (Figure 9), the municipality of Sebseb
considered as a space rural, predominantly rural including ancient palm groves and the
agricultural perimeter most of the scattered zone, it is occupied by agricultural land.
Figure 9. The land use of Sebseb oasis
T. ADDOUN
[205]
3.4. Mapping Sebseb oasis environments
The area of this oasis is mostly occupied by oasis agriculture and palm trees
groves. These groves are associated with vegetable crops intercropped in inside the
oasis.
Oasis Sebseb is characterized by three landscape types. The downtown landscape
stretches almost 10 km. The urban landscape, concentrated on the administrative
district, which was created during the eighty-year following the installation of the first
equipment and basic infrastructure at this neighbourhood. Natural landscape
predominant includes agricultural land, agricultural perimeter. The ancient oasis
landscape is occupied by palm groves, which is the least superficies of agricultural land
located outside the oasis.
4. CONCLUSIONS
This paper outlines a number of pilot applications of Geographic Information
Systems to mapping the spatial evolution of Sebseb region. It is intended to illustrate the
landscape changes of space, as an aid to the decision to give results that can be used to
support the development rural of area. Major findings on the dynamics of changes in
oasis scale, the shifting characteristics of agricultural populations and rural were further
studied by using GIS and statistics.
The study area has experienced a significant population increase over the past 30
years, estimated at 1.431 inhabitants. This development is due to the transformations
that have taken place in the municipality of Sebseb in various fields, and the reflection of
agricultural activity on the stability of the population. Agriculture in the region has given
a new landscape to the oasis and has helped to advance the development in the region of
Sebseb.
5. REFERENCES
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and GIS Applications for Mapping diverse Landscapes and Potential
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and Scientific Research 26 (2): 435-444
BISSON, J. 1989. Le Nomade, l’oasis et la ville, Cahiers d’URBAMA n° 20, Tours, 288p.
BOSSLER. J., JENSEN. R., ROBERT. B. 2004. Manual of Geospatial Science and Technology,
CRC Press, 648 p.
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FOGELMAN, C., BASSETT, T.J. 2016. Mapping for investability: Remaking land and maps
in Lesotho. Geoforum.
FRANCE ARMY. 1960. Topographical map of Ghardaïa sheet NI- 31-IV at a scale of
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cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghardaïa, Algeria. Infect. Genet. Evol.
JACOBSEN, K., BUYUKSALIH, G., BAZ, I. 2008. Mapping from space for developing
countries, Proceedings EARSeL Joint Workshop: Remote Sensing – New
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KANE. M., TROCHIM , W. M. K. 2007. Concept mapping for planning and evaluation.
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NATIONAL OFFICE OF STATISTICS (ONS). General census of the population and housing;
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ROTH, R-E. 2013. Interactive maps: What we know and what we need to know. Journal
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SGHAIER. M., PICOUET. M. 2004. Dynamique des populations et évolution des milieux
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