Problems of Continuous Geographic Education and Cartography

Development of a new economic map of Kharkiv region for recovery and sustainable development planning of the region

2025-10-07T16:49:02+00:00

The purpose of the article presents the results of a study on the theoretical foundations of economic cartography and the classification system of economic maps. It has been established that such maps are an essential tool for visually representing economic activities, the spatial organization of both production and non-production sectors, resource potential, and economic interconnections. The classification includes categorization by content, scale, purpose, and method of information representation. Special attention is given to complex maps that integrate sectoral and spatial characteristics.

The main material. The study also analyzes the socio-economic potential of Kharkiv region in the face of current challenges. Although the region remains one of Ukraine’s key industrial, agricultural, and scientific centers, its economy has undergone significant transformations due to the war. The article outlines the major wartime issues, including infrastructure destruction, demographic decline, disruption of logistics routes, stagnation of investments, energy supply problems, and the restructuring of the agricultural sector. Statistical data and analytical assessments formed the basis for developing a new economic map of Kharkiv region.

Conclusions and further research. During the map creation process, sequential stages and digital methods were defined: setting the objective, selecting the topic, choosing information sources, processing statistical data, constructing the thematic model, visualizing economic content, and final layout and editing. Each stage was implemented with consideration of scale, readability, accuracy, and practical applicability for use in educational and analytical contexts.

QGIS and Google Maps as visualization tools in the study of territorial identity

2025-10-07T16:50:21+00:00

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the feasibility of using Google Maps and QGIS as tools for visualizing markers of territorial identity, as well as to demonstrate the possibilities of their integrative application for research and educational purposes using the example of labeling objects that reflect the territorial identity of the population of Kyiv.

Main content. Within the framework of the study, 22 objects of symbolic significance to the city’s identity were identified and mapped using a two-stage approach. Initial geolocation and categorization of the objects were carried out in Google Maps, which provided a user-friendly interface for preliminary spatial markup. The data were then exported in KML format and imported into QGIS, where they were integrated into a multilayered thematic map, complemented by base cartographic layers and a polygonal layer of Kyiv’s administrative boundaries. The resulting analytical map contains identity markers grouped into three categories: cultural heritage sites, educational and scientific institutions, and enterprises and institutions.

Conclusions. The combined use of Google Maps and QGIS effectively merges the accessibility of initial data collection with the analytical and visualization capabilities of professional GIS software. The proposed methodology is recommended for studies of local identity, urban spatial analysis, and the integration of GIS tools into geographic education. The digital visualization of identity markers enhances the understanding of the spatial structure and mental image of the city.

Geoinformation support for organization of territorial communities’ spatial planning in post-war Ukraine

2025-10-07T16:51:45+00:00

The purpose of this article is to substantiate the conceptual foundations of organization territorial communities’ spatial planning in post-war Ukraine by GIS and providing an example of practical implementation these position for the territory of Lysyanska community the Cherkasy Region.

The main material. The theoretical and methodological foundations of geoinformation support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning in post-war Ukraine are considered, including consideration of essence and features the organization this type of work, analysis the experience of using GIS to solve spatial planning problems at the regional level, substantiation of structural components the system of geographic information support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning, and the examples of practical implementation the theoretical developments for Lysyanska territorial community the Cherkasy Region. In general, geoinformation support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning in Ukraine should be directed to the cartographic component of the relevant strategic and planning documents, primarily to the making of a comprehensive plan for spatial development of the territory as a mandatory component of land management documentation, where planning decisions for prospective using the community territory are cartographically visualized. Geoinformation support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning in post-war Ukraine should cover the main components of spatial planning and land use management in the context of individual communities. Accordingly, in the structure of geographic information support system for spatial planning of an individual community, the following blocks are distinguished: general geographic, inventory and cadastral, land use monitoring/landscape change monitoring unit and territorial development planning block. The practical implementation of geographic information support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning can be the creation of: 1) A comprehensive GIS product for community territory management; 2) A specialized GIS product aimed at solving certain spatial planning tasks, such as the making of a comprehensive, strategic plan for the development of the community territory; 3) Geoportal of the territorial community on the Internet; 4) Separate GIS projects containing a certain set of vector geodata and/or maps of structural components (blocks) of geographic information support system for territorial community, for example, a map of monitoring land use with a correlated geodata database The proposed theoretical propositions were tested on the territory of Lysyanska territorial community the Cherkasy Region by creating two separate GIS projects – GIS project of the general geographic block of geoinformation support for organization territorial communities’ spatial planning and GIS project of Lysyanska communities land fund for inventory and cadastral block.

Conclusions and further research. Spatial planning of territorial communities in Ukraine, being an integral part of the formation of strategy for development these territorial units, the organization of rational use the available resources and formation of sustainable land use, acquires special importance during the post-war time due to the provision of greater financial revenues to local authorities under the conditions of decentralization. The practical implementation of the above requires prompt processing and analysis of numerous materials, including textual, graphic, cartographic both at the stage of collecting initial data on the territory of the community, and at the stage of analysis, modeling and management decision-making, which can be implemented through geographic information support. The system of geographic information support of spatial planning for individual community includes the following blocks: general geographic, inventory and cadastral, land use monitoring/landscape change monitoring unit and territorial development planning block, which generally provides systematization of available resources in the geodatabase form with the possibility of cartographic visualization in the form of strategic and planning documents. A promising area of research is the development of conceptual foundations for creating a mobile application on iOS and Android for visualization of the community’s territory geodatabase in formats for official and public use, including the geoportal form for public monitoring of the implementation of planning decisions and the state of land use.

Methodological aspects of neural network clustering of regions: analysis of variability in self-organizing maps (Kohonen maps) results

2025-10-07T16:55:04+00:00

The purpose of the article is to identify and analyze the causes of variability in clustering results of Ukrainian regions by demographic indicators when applying the Self-Organizing Maps (Kohonen maps) method, as well as to develop methodological recommendations for interpreting and using neural network analysis results in human-geographical research.

Main material. The study is based on the analysis of demographic indicators of Ukrainian regions using the Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) method. Three clustering variants of Ukrainian regions were performed to identify stable and unstable cluster groups. Demographic indicators were normalized using linear scaling method with direct and inverse indexation formulas. Stable cluster cores were identified: Western Ukrainian regions with the best demographic situation (first group – Volyn, Rivne, Zakarpattya regions; second group – Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Ternopyl, Chernivtsi regions); central-eastern industrial and industrial-agricultural regions with the worst demographic situation (Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Mykolayiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kharkiv regions); predominantly central agricultural-industrial regions with unfavorable demographic situation (first group – Cherkasy and Chernihiv regions; second group – Vinnytsya and Khmelnytskiy regions). Regions with unstable cluster affiliation were determined (city Kyiv, Odesa, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kherson regions). Four main factors of SOM variability were analyzed: random initialization of neuron weights, stochastic nature of learning, nonlinearity and complexity of topological transformation, and the influence of network configuration parameters.

Conclusions. The variability of Self-Organizing Maps results is due to their stochastic nature, which is not a disadvantage but allows for the identification of multiple valid structures in data. To improve the reliability of results, it is recommended to perform multiple network training with cluster stability assessment and combine SOM with other territorial classification methods.

425th anniversary of the birth of Guillaume Le Vasser de Beauplan and his role in the formation of Ukrainian geography and cartography

2025-10-07T17:03:47+00:00

The purpose of this article is to study the scientific geographical and cartographic heritage of G.L. de Beauplan in order to understand the role of his works in forming the foundations of national geography and cartography.

Main material. The main merit of G.L. de Beauplan to Ukraine and its people at that time and its future lies in the creation of unique maps of Ukraine - General, Special and several dozen others based on his own observations and surveys. They indicate both the main hydrological network of Ukrainian lands and hundreds of objects - rivers, cities and towns, villages and fortresses, islands, Dnieper rapids, etc. «Description of Ukraine, several provinces of the Kingdom of Poland, stretching from the borders of Muscovy to the borders of Transylvania, together with their customs, way of life and warfare» by G.L. de Beauplan became one of the most important historical sources of the Cossack past of Ukraine. The map of G.L. de Boplana “Part of the Borysphen River…” or “2. Zaporizhia” has great historical significance, as it shows the area where the five most famous of the seven Zaporizhia Sichs were located – Tomakivska (1568-1593), Bazavlukska (1593-1638), Mykytynska Sich (1639-1652), which became the place of the beginning of the Ukrainian Cossack State (1648-1755) and in the future there were Chortomlytska (1652-1709, 1728-1730) and Novaya Sich (1734-1775).

Conclusions. The map of G.L. de Boplana “Part of the Borysphen River…”, also known as “2. Zaporizhia” has extraordinary significance for cartographic source studies of Ukrainian geography. Comparing this map with maps created later, one comes to realize its fundamental role in solving the current problem of the destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir and the restoration of the old Dnieper riverbed and the Great Lug. In addition, the cartographic heritage of G.L. de Beauplan is of great importance in modern urban planning and district planning.

Space-time analysis of the impact of military operations on the territory of the Emerald Network within Kharkiv region

2025-10-07T17:05:13+00:00

The purpose of the article is to analyse the state of the Emerald Network within the Kharkiv region in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The article briefly describes the history of the formation of the Emerald Network of the Kharkiv region and provides a modern list of Emerald Network sites, according to the data of the Standing Committee of the Council of Europe, which includes 38 sites with a total area of 3830 thousand square km. And 3 sites that are substantiated and included in the “shadow lists” of further expansion of the Network.

Main content. The article presents an analysis of the state of the Emerald Network territories within the Kharkiv region in wartime conditions. The analysis was performed for three key dates, taking into account changes in the front line within the region: April 3, 2022 (when about 30% of the region was occupied), September 16, 2022 (after the successful counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the liberation of almost the entire territory of the region), and May 26, 2025 (the current stage with the enemy advancing in the Kupyansk and Chuhuiv districts throughout the period from September 2022). For each of the indicated dates, maps were drawn up with the current front line superimposed, indicating the occupied and liberated territories, which allowed for a spatiotemporal analysis of the impact of military operations on the Emerald Network territory and identifying those sites that were under occupation, on the front line or in close proximity to it. Such analysis made it possible to identify territories that were affected by various forms of war – both direct and indirect.

Conclusions. The analysis showed that 48% (1830 thousand square km) of the Emerald Network of the region were affected by military actions of varying degrees at different periods. And these are to a greater extent the most valuable areas of the steppe biogeographical region of Europe. The sites within the Siversky Donets and Oskil valleys were most affected, and these are the largest in area and the most diverse in terms of the number of species and habitats. The analysis of the impact of the war on unique nature conservation areas made it possible to identify potential areas for further research and monitoring.

Towards of assessing the economic component of territorial development

2025-10-07T17:06:38+00:00

The purpose of the article to analyze traditional methods and substantiate alternative approaches for assessing the economic component of territorial development under conditions of limited data access.

The main material. The categories “territorial potential,” “territorial development,” “territorial development potential,” and their components are analyzed. Traditional approaches to the content and components of territorial potential and its development, as well as the indicators used for their assessment, particularly for the economic component, are identified. In view of the lack of statistical data under martial law, which makes it impossible to apply traditional methods of analysis, new tools and data sources for assessing the economic component of territorial development have been identified and characterized. These include the methodology for assessing the financial capacity of territorial communities, the interactive tax map, and analytical dashboards from the Ministry of Finance.

Conclusions and further research. Established approaches and indicators based on official statistics have proven unable to adequately reflect the complex and dynamic picture of the economic development of territories under martial law. At the same time, new opportunities for analysis have emerged, based on operational, albeit aggregated, data. The methodology for assessing the financial capacity of communities, the interactive tax map, and the analytical dashboards of the Ministry of Finance are valuable tools that can be used to evaluate the economic component of territorial development.

Trends of modern climate change in Kharkiv oblast

2025-10-07T17:07:50+00:00

The purpose of the article is to identify and establish regular climate changes in Kharkiv Oblast, as well as to highlight individual variability in certain settlements.

The main material. In general, in Ukraine, the issue of climate change is a serious problem, because, according to research by both Ukrainian and international scientists, the country’s climate has been changing for a long time. The main directions of these changes are an increase in the average annual and monthly air temperature, as well as fluctuations in precipitation throughout the year. The greatest threat to Ukraine in this context is the deterioration of conditions for growing various agricultural crops, since a significant part of the Ukrainian economy is focused on the primary sector. And accordingly, the main task is a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of climate change in the Kharkiv Oblast at the regional level. The study has identified the main trends and features of the transformation of the climatic regime in the region. Particular attention has been paid to assessing the impact of active hostilities on the accuracy and completeness of climatic observations, as well as on the formation of local microclimatic conditions within the region. Based on the data obtained, a climate change forecast has been made for individual settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. In addition, a number of recommendations have been formulated aimed at counteracting the negative consequences of climate change and adapting to new conditions.

Conclusions and further research. The general characteristics of the climate and the climatic features of the selected cities have been analyzed. As a result of changes in the global climate, local changes are also observed in the territory of Kharkiv Oblast. Statistical data and constant norms of temperature indicators have been analyzed, which allowed us to identify trends in climate change in 2010-2021. The main trends of climate change in Kharkiv Oblast have been identified, among which the trend of increasing average annual temperature has eeen highlighted, as well as the general increase in temperatures during each month, which has been more pronounced during the winter months. A formula for predicting temperature changes in the territory of the city of Kharkiv has been created, which shows the linear nature of temperature changes in the city, and in connection with this, a list of recommendations for adaptation was created. For the adaptation of the agricultural sector of the economy, it is proposed to introduce state scholarships, subsidies and similar financial incentives for switching to more drought-resistant crops, as well as create state procurement programs for such crops.

GIS analysis of the tourism attractiveness of Poltava district, Poltava region

2025-10-07T17:09:20+00:00

The purpose of the article is to assess the tourism attractiveness of Poltava District, Poltava Region, using GISbased analysis, and to identify the spatial distribution of key tourism resources and infrastructure across the territorial communities.

The main material. The GIS-based methodology for analyzing tourism attractiveness involves a comprehensive approach with several stages: data collection and processing, thematic map creation, spatial analysis, and visualization of the results. To assess the tourism attractiveness of the Poltava district in Poltava region, we applied the criteria of scenic beauty, availability of tourist attractions, availability of accommodation facilities, and transport accessibility. The research was conducted in ArcGIS Desktop 10.8. To identify the most scenic areas, buffer zones were created around layers of water bodies, forests, and territories with high terrain dissection. To calculate the level of provision with tourist attractions, the number of attractions of each type within the district’s communities was determined. For the analysis of accommodation facilities, 30 km service zones were generated around the respective objects. To assess the transport accessibility of the communities, distances were measured between their centers and the city of Poltava, which is the administrative center of both the district and the region. Relevant indices were calculated for each criterion, as well as an overall Tourism Attractiveness Index for each territorial community of Poltava District. Maps of natural and recreational resources, tourist attractions, and tourism attractiveness of the study area were compiled.

Conclusions. The territorial communities of Poltava District demonstrate varying levels of tourism attractiveness, combining rich natural and cultural resources with different degrees of transport accessibility and infrastructure development. The most attractive for tourism are the Poltavska and Shcherbanivska communities (due to their scenic landscapes and favorable transport accessibility), while the least attractive are Skorokhodivska, Drabynivska, Martynivska, and Nekhvoroshchanska (because of limited infrastructure and fewer tourist attractions). Overall, Poltava district has a solid foundation for tourism development, with significant opportunities to enhance its attractiveness through improved infrastructure and the promotion of local heritage.