Problems of Continuous Geographic Education and Cartography

Study of forests fires in Ukraine as a consequence of military actions according to remote earth sensing data

Olena Ahapova, Viktor Leshchenko — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the article is to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of wildfire spread and identify burned forest areas using remote sensing data within the regions of Ukraine that experienced active combat from the start of the full-scale Russian invasion until the end of 2023. Additionally, it seeks to identify forest ecosystems affected by fires within protected areas.

The main material. As of 2023, according to the State Environmental Inspection, approximately 3 million hectares of Ukrainian forests have been affected by hostilities, which accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s entire forest fund. The combat zone has included the territories of 900 protected areas with a total area of 1.24 million hectares. The article presents the results of an analysis of fire spread from the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russian forces until the end of 2023 in regions of Ukraine affected by active hostilities. Based on remote sensing data, cartographic materials were prepared to illustrate zones of the highest concentration of burned areas. Particular attention is given to the impact of hostilities on natural forest ecosystems and the protected areas, which comprise approximately 50% of the country’s total forested areas. The study identified a spatial correlation between the spread of fires and the location of the front line, as well as a temporal dynamic of ignitions that coincides with periods of intensified combat activities.

Conclusions and further research. Satellite data from MODIS and VIIRS, utilized via the EFFIS platform, demonstrated high effectiveness in detecting burned areas, particularly in regions inaccessible due to military operations or occupation. However, their limited spatial resolution reduces the accuracy of assessing the scale of forest damage. The spatial-temporal fire analysis results presented in the article may serve as a foundation for identifying areas requiring more detailed investigations. These investigations should aim to refine estimates of forest ecosystem losses, evaluate the extent of damage, and develop strategies for restoring forests affected by the war.

The dynamics of forest fires caused by war in the territory of Izyum district

Anatolii Bainazarov, Vladyslav Popov, Uliana Vovk, Andriy Piliugin — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to present the results of the analysis of quantitative indicators (spectral indices satellite images and their comparison) with the aim to assess the degradation of forests in the Izyum district of the Kharkiv region (which was a result of the fires of 2022-2023).

Basic material. The article reveals the problems of using spectral index methods for detecting forest fires. One of the specific spectral indices, which is the most specialized to the set goal, is the normalized burn ratio NBR, which uses the near-infrared and short-wave infrared zones of satellite images. In the article, the authors present the results of NBR calculation from the summer months of 2021-2023 and their difference according to the dNBR method (which is the difference between the NBR data before and after the fire). The USGS dNBR classification was used to assess the degree of damage and restoration of the forest. The methodology and results of vectorization and calculation of areas using the difference obtained index images are also highlighted, quantitative evaluation results are presented in the article.

Conclusions. The conducted research provides quantitative information on the nature and degree of damage to forests in the selected area during the period of intensive hostilities in 2022. The dynamics of burns is about 72% of the total territory. Index difference images also show partial restoration of vegetation on the territory in the period 2022-2023. Although the used technique has certain advantages, it needs to be verified by field studies.

Analysis of the territorial structure of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv for the needs of green and blue infrastructure implementation

Nadiya Maksymenko, Alina Hrechko, Anastasiia Klieshch — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the study is to study the territorial organization of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv with a view to further optimising the territory by means of green and blue infrastructure

Main material. The study of the territorial organization of urban landscapes in the city of Chuhuiv is based on the analysis of anthropogenically transformed geocomplexes that combine natural and artificial components. Urban areas require a special approach to the study of their structural organization, as the combination of anthropogenic and natural factors creates a complex system of interactions. Small towns in Ukraine, despite their greater prevalence, are less studied areas of the urban landscape, yet they still retain certain features of the natural landscape, are less anthropogenically transformed, and have significant potential for nature-based solutions.

The results of the study of the territorial structure of the urban landscape showed that the city is dominated by the settlement type of low-rise buildings, with a significant potential for the recreational type of landscape, which is due to both the natural conditions of the study area and the lack of continuous development. It is the presence of recreational types within the settlement type that provides the basis for the creation of green infrastructure facilities to optimize the city structure and ensure sustainable development of the urban environment.

Conclusions. The analysis of the territorial structure of the urban landscape of Chuhuiv has shown significant functional and spatial heterogeneity, which is a key factor for the implementation of green and blue infrastructure. Residential development covers more than 30% of the territory, which creates prerequisites for the integration of green areas, but the high share of beligerative (17.4%) and industrial (10.5%) areas limits the possibilities for the spatial development of recreational areas. Despite the significant share of recreational areas (23%), only 7.33% of the total city area is covered by publicly accessible green areas, which is insufficient to create a high-quality urban environment. The development of green and blue infrastructure should be based on the expansion of recreational areas, creation of green corridors along transport routes, and reclamation of industrial and brownfield sites, which will help to increase the city’s environmental sustainability and improve living conditions.

Analysis of the accuracy of mapping information (using the example of motorway mapping in Ukraine and the USA)

Vilina Peresadko, Oleg Dmytrykov, Anatolii Dzhos — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Мета дослідження – оцінити точність даних онлайн-ресурсів у порівнянні з геодезичними та лазерними методами вимірювання, та порівняти протяжність основних автомобільних шляхів США та України за офіційними даними і найбільш використовуваними картографічними сервісами.

Основний матеріал. Порівняльний аналіз традиційних геодезичних знімань і лазерного сканування автомобільних доріг Сполучених Штатів Америки й України показав майже ідентичні результати. Це стало основою для оцінки точності картографічних сервісів OpenStreetMap (OSM), GraphHopper (GH) та Google Maps. Для кожного відрізка, довжина якого вимірювалась, визначено різницю координат точок; квадрати різниць координат точок; середнє значення квадратів різниць точок; середньоквадратичну похибку для координат X та Y; загальну середньоквадратичну похибку; відношення похибки до загальної протяжності маршруту. Результати показали розбіжності між офіційними даними FHWA, КМУ та онлайн-ресурсами. Для магістралей у США відхилення незначні (-1,86% до +0,25%). В Україні в окремих випадках вони сягали 19,99%, що може бути наслідком меншої частоти оновлення офіційних джерел. Це підкреслює необхідність перехресного контролю, зокрема за допомогою лазерного сканування. Висновки. Порівняння геодезичних та лазерних вимірювань показало їхню високу точність, що дозволяє використовувати ці методи для перевірки картографічних даних. Лазерне сканування, представлене у цифровому форматі без проміжних кроків оцифрування може слугувати контрольним шаром для визначення протяжності лінійних об’єктів, зокрема автодоріг. Онлайн-ресурс GraphHopper серед трьох проаналізованих - демонструє найменші розбіжності як для США, так і для України. Картографічні основи України потребують оновлення на основі сучасних топографо-геодезичних знімань, включно з лазерним скануванням. Визначення точних довжин транспортних шляхів є важливим для ефективного розвитку держави.

Mapping meteorological phenomena: a case study of fog in the Kharkiv region

Svitlana Reshetchenko, Sviatoslav Dmitriiev, Ilona Bozhedai, Alexander Zhemerov — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to study the meteorological phenomena mapping, focusing on fog occurrences in Kharkiv region during the period of 1996-2020.

Basic material. Mapping of meteorological phenomena is a key tool for visualizing and understanding of complex atmospheric processes. It allows us to represent the spatial distribution of meteorological phenomena visually, to analyze them and identify future trends. The particularity of fog mapping lies in establishing relationships between the geographical and climatic characteristics of the region. This information holds practical significance in developing measures to manage risks associated with weather phenomena, ensuring the safety of the population and the economy. Factors influencing the climate of Kharkiv region include its distance from large bodies of water and the flatness of its terrain.

The results of fogs study show that it is possible to identify the main physical and geographical factors influencing fog formation processes: orography, the nature of the underlying surface, the presence of water bodies, and the temperature regime of the area.

Using the ArcGIS GIS package, we were able to draw maps of multi-year indicators of the number of foggy days during the period of 1996-2020 and by seasons, fog duration during the period of 1996-2020 and by seasons. Cartographic works allow us to identify spatial-temporal characteristics of the meteorological phenomenon’s distribution, providing additional advantages compared to other forms of presenting model results, such as tables or lists.

Conclusions and further research. In the context of climate change, there is an increase in the number of extreme and natural hydro-meteorological phenomena, which result in significant material losses. Fog affects a wide range of economic sectors. Therefore, maps of hydro-meteorological phenomena are an important component ensuring population safety as they provide an understanding of the nature, intensity, and periodicity of potential threats to a specific area.

A distinctive feature of the million-strong city of Kharkiv is the likelihood of smog-fog occurrences, which possess an elevated carcinogenic effect. To analyze smog phenomena, it is necessary to consider numerous meteorological factors, such as wind speed and direction, sky conditions, temperature regime, presence of atmospheric precipitation, and the degree of urbanization. Therefore, the aim of further research is to study the conditions for the formation of smog and methods of their mapping.

Solar energy resources of Ukraine for 1990 - 2020

Ludmila Rybchenko, Svitlana Savchuk — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to assess the potential of solar energy resources of Ukraine to determine the prospects for the use of natural energy sources for 1991 - 2020.

Main material. In the conditions of modern climate change, the energy independence of our country with the use of alternative renewable energy sources, which determine the economic feasibility of their use in energy-dependent sectors of the economy and various spheres of human activity, is gaining importance.

For this, a database of individual components of the radiation regime was formed using the archive of observations of the meteorological and actinometric network of the Borys Sreznevsky Central Geophysical Observatory of the SESU. When obtaining their spatio-temporal distribution, the methods of mathematical statistics and cartography were used.

Specialized indicators of climatic resources of solar energy for individual actinometric and meteorological stations of the country are presented. According to the changes in the components of the radiation regime, the values of these indicators are given for: 1991 - 2000, 2001 - 2010, 2011 - 2020. The contribution of direct solar radiation to the total for April - September, the contribution of total radiation for April - September to the annual sum was determined. Based on the monitoring of short-wave radiation flows, the increase in the duration of sunshine and total solar radiation during the study period is presented. Their spatio-temporal distribution is given and the possibilities of introducing solar energy resources are established under the conditions of growth of the annual sum of the duration of sunshine above 2000 h and the annual sum of total solar radiation above 4000 MJ / m².

Conclusions. The article has obtained gradual increase in the potential of solar energy resources in Ukraine was obtained.

Transport system as a determinant of the spatial development of the region

Kateryna Kravchenko, Yevhen Shpak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the article is to highlight of the role of the transport system as a determinant of spatial development in a region (the case of Kharkiv region).

Basic material. The interaction of settlements is essentially carried out through the transport system, as the transformation of the settlement network into a settlement system occurs precisely due to the presence of various hierarchical connections between settlements. An efficiently functioning transport system not only contributes to regional development but also affects spatial organization, as the mobility of passengers and goods is an essential component for economic and social activities, commuting migration, production, distribution of goods and services, or energy supply.

Kharkiv region has traditionally been characterized as an economically developed region, a logistics hub with a well-developed transport system and logistics. However, the region is one of the most affected by military actions. Nevertheless, the restoration of transport infrastructure in Kharkiv is one of the priority tasks for the region and the country, as it ensures high-quality logistics and effective transport communication, which forms a reliable rear for accomplishing tasks at the front line. The detailed analysis of Kharkiv region’s transport system showed that the region has a developed and extensive transport infrastructure, which is an important factor in ensuring population mobility and freight transport. This, in turn, stimulates economic development and urbanization, particularly the formation of the Kharkiv agglomeration. The network of roads and railways is key to the region, providing connections both within the region and with other regions of Ukraine and European countries. However, extreme events caused by the war have inflicted severe damage to the transport system, requiring significant efforts and investments for restoration. Moreover, the destruction of infrastructure, significant mine contamination of territories, and temporary occupation of part of the region complicate the recovery work due to the challenging security conditions. Despite these difficulties, the region continues to function as an important logistics hub thanks to support from national and international donors. The transport system of Kharkiv Region is characterized by a multi-component structure with numerous transport hubs of varying hierarchical levels. The largest transport hubs in the region include the cities of Kharkiv, Lozova, Izium, Kupyansk, Chuhuiv, Zlatopil, and others.

The restoration of transport infrastructure, including bridges and roads, is necessary to ensure the region’s development and its further integration into the European transport network. This requires comprehensive reconstruction, particularly in the most affected areas, using modern materials to ensure long-term durability. An important stage of recovery is the development of a demining program for the safe restoration of infrastructure and attracting state, international, and private investments through grant programs, among other sources.

Conclusions. The analysis of the transport system of Kharkiv region confirms its significant role in spatial development, ensuring mobility for the population, transportation of goods, and supporting the economic and social activity of the population. An efficiently functioning transport system contributes to rapid urbanization, the formation of the Kharkiv agglomeration, and forms the basis for logistical connections of various hierarchical levels. However, due to military actions, the region and its transport system have suffered significant damage, requiring substantial efforts for restoration, considering security risks and the considerable mine hazard. The restoration of transport infrastructure, particularly bridges and roads, is critically important for the region and its integration into the European transport system.

Geographical features of agriculture in Cherkasy oblast in the context of climate change

Ivan Zozulya — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to analyze, using geographical methodology, the response of farms in Cherkasy Oblast to climate change that has occurred over the past 10 years.

Main material. The problem indicated in the title of the article has become relevant in recent years due to climate change. And in the conditions of natural zones of Ukraine, the boundaries between which have long been quite conditional (geoecotone «forest field», G. Denisyk), the justification and further development of «zonal» specialization has always been a difficult problem. Visual evidence of climate warming prompted the search for such indicators that would (directly or indirectly) demonstrate the «reaction» of agriculture to such climate changes. A comparative analysis of agricultural zoning in 2014 and 2024 showed that the configuration of agricultural areas has changed significantly, which was radically affected by climate change.

Conclusions. The main array of farms (1274 farms out of 1808) of the 1st South-Central Agricultural District is in the zone of risky agriculture, which is affected by climate change. The smallest changes (both in quantity and specific weight) occurred in the northern forest-steppe zonal types of farms (Kaniv, Zhashkiv, Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi districts). This may indicate a greater ecological plasticity of farms in the forest-steppe zone with respect to climate change (compared to zonal steppe types). Based on the results of the analysis, practical recommendations were developed for each agricultural district (2024), which primarily cover the geographical aspect of the spatial organization of agriculture.