Satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies provide an essential operational capability for the detection and monitoring of environmental damage caused by hydrocarbon spills.
SAR observations allow continuous monitoring independent of weather conditions or daylight, enabling rapid response and detailed characterization of dynamic surface processes.
The case study of the major oil spill that affected the Adriatic Sea on 27 May 2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-temporal SAR data integration and in reconstructing the evolution of the spill over approximately 400 km of coastline. Such operational services are offered by e-GEOS and EMSA, through the SEonSE and CleanSeaNet platforms, respectively. The adoption of SAR-based monitoring frameworks strengthens early warning systems, supports environmental protection authorities, and enhances decision-making capabilities in emergency management and long-term territorial control.
E. Prushkivska, Iryna Maksymenko, Olena Chumak
et al.
This article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the development of social entrepreneurship in Southeast Asian countries through the prism of socio-economic geography and institutional economics. The relevance of the study is substantiated in the context of the global spread of social entrepreneurship as an innovative form of solving social problems and increasing the sustainability of regional economies. The findings reveal that Southeast Asian countries demonstrate the dynamics of establishing effective models thanks to the synergy of public initiatives, international support, and the local institutional environment. The aim of the study is to identify the spatial-economic and socio-institutional factors that influence the formation of social entrepreneurship models and their ability to adapt in the context of global transformations. The methodological basis consists of a combination of comparative-geographical, cluster-, and structural-functional approaches with the use of elements of cartographic analysis, secondary statistics, and the case method. Three types of models are distinguished: urban-centric, rural-community-centric, and mixed. Clusters of countries with similar development profiles are identified, and the role of demographic, spatial, and institutional factors in the localization of social initiatives is assessed. The importance of non-governmental organizations, digitalization, and impact investing as key determinants of social business sustainability is emphasized. It is demonstrated that the most successful models arise in the context of synergy between public policy, civic activism, and international support. The results obtained have practical significance for spatial planning strategies and the formation of policies to support social entrepreneurship in Ukraine. It is argued that the adaptation of Asian practices can be an effective tool for ensuring inclusive economic growth and enhancing national sustainability in the context of post-war reconstruction.
ABSTRACT This paper discusses the past, present and future of some aspects of early warning and early warning systems in an international context. Focusing on natural hazard management, it highlights the interdisciplinarity that is needed to successfully mitigate hazards and risks using early warning. This paper highlights technical, conceptual and institutional aspects, deals with various terms such as hazard, vulnerability, risk and impact and links to previous and current work in the early warning, cartography and GI-science domain. Maps facilitate mitigation, communication, understanding and progress in early warning and international collaboration. Advancing early warning requires international collaboration, cross-sectoral and cross-silo mentality, standards, higher data integration, as well as map-based and user-centered approaches. This paper links to current global initiatives and closes with thoughts on selected research and practice aspects, such as volunteered geographic information, use of novel AI methods and involvement of big-tech in early warning.
ABSTRACT Maps are crucial for presenting and disseminating geographic information, serving as vital instruments for reconstructing historical spaces and conveying historical memories. However, existing mapping platforms lack accessible and dynamic media that can effectively enhance public understanding of historical spatiotemporal contexts. Augmented Reality (AR) technology and Narrative Theory have introduced innovative dimensions to map presentation, although a coherent framework for AR story maps remains underexplored. This study proposes a narrative and interaction framework (NIM) for AR story maps, integrating Historical Geographic Information System (HGIS), cartography, Narrative Theory, and AR technology. The NIM framework encompasses three dimensions: “Spatiotemporal Narrative,” “Human – Computer Interaction,” and “Map Object Container.” Using the Nanjing safety zone as a case study, this paper illustrates the practical application of NIM through narrative design, data digitization, and AR interaction. The resulting product is a dynamic and disseminable map, which offers an engaging way to communicate historical contexts. Finally, a map cognition experiment illustrated the advantages and potential of AR maps in historical storytelling. Overall, this study sheds light on the theoretical and practical applications of AR maps in cartography and narrative studies. Key policy highlights As a framework for AR maps, NIM provides a three-dimensional approach, expanding and innovating the research on historical GIS and spatiotemporal narrative in the era of digital transformation. AR Story Maps based on the NIM framework represent an innovative electronic medium for the bi-directional dissemination of information, providing a novel approach to improving public awareness of historical spaces and memories, thereby contributing to the advancement of history education. By facilitating real-time public feedback and fostering active engagement, NIM-based platforms support policymakers to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AR to safeguard, transmit, and disseminate cultural heritage.
Giovana de Bettio Fausto Izidoro, Josélia Euzébio da Rosa, Mariana da Silva Fontes
Aprender e ensinar Cartografia tem sido uma tarefa árdua para o professor de Geografia, que mesmo empenhado em desenvolver um bom trabalho, depara-se com déficits que fogem ao seu nicho. Com objetivo de identificar os desafios encontrados por esses docentes no ensino da Cartografia escolar, este trabalho recorre a uma revisão bibliográfica do tipo integrativa, com o intuito de levantar e comparar dados de pesquisas científicas dos últimos dez anos (2013-2023). A análise dos oito estudos selecionados indicou ineficiência nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem da Cartografia, atrelada à carência nas bases do conhecimento matemático de educandos e educadores, insuficiência de disciplinas voltadas para a Cartografia escolar nos cursos de Licenciatura em Geografia, e necessidade de formação continuada e cursos de extensão para minimizar falhas já instauradas. Palavras-chave Ensino; Aprendizagem; Geografia; Educação; Matemática. Learning and teaching Cartography, a challenge for teachers and students Abstract Learning and teaching Cartography has been a difficult task for the geography teacher, who, despite being committed to developing good work, is faced with deficits that are outside his/her expertise area. With the aim at identifying the challenges encountered by these teachers in teaching school Cartography, this work uses an integrative bibliographic review to collect and compare data from scientific research from the last ten years (2013-2023). The analysis of the eight selected studies indicated inefficiency in teaching and learning processes of Cartography, linked to the lack of mathematical knowledge bases of students and educators, insufficient subjects focused on school Cartography in Geography faculty courses, and the need for continued training and extension courses to minimize flaws already established. Keywords Teaching; Learning; Geography; Education; Mathematics. Aprender y enseñar Cartografía, un desafío para profesores y estudiantes Resumen Aprender y enseñar Cartografía ha sido una ardua tarea para el profesor de Geografía, quien, a pesar de estar comprometido con el desarrollo de un buen trabajo, se enfrenta a déficits que van más allá de su área. Con el objetivo de identificar los desafíos que enfrentan estos docentes en la enseñanza de Cartografía en la escuela, este trabajo utiliza una revisión bibliográfica integradora, con objetivo de recopilar y comparar datos de investigaciones científicas de los últimos diez años (2013-2023). El análisis de los ocho estudios seleccionados indicó ineficiencia en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje de Cartografía, ligada con la falta de bases de conocimientos matemáticos de estudiantes y educadores, insuficientes asignaturas enfocadas a la Cartografía escolar en las carreras de Licenciatura en Geografía, y la necesidad de capacitación continua y cursos de extensión para minimizar las fallas existentes. Palabras clave Enseñanza; Aprendizaje; Geografía; Educación; Matemáticas.
ABSTRACT Each historical cartographical material is not only a depiction of the geographical endowment and settlement structure of a certain locale, but also a reflection of a particular worldview and artistic expression favoured by the cartographer producing the material concerned. Based on various historical maps produced for Marmaris, that functions as a lens, and by focusing on the context of life stories of cartographers, this paper re-reads the history of Marmaris and its maps via an elucidation of these maps as both scientific and artistic endeavours. For the elaboration of the cartographical materials, a unitary conception of maps is developed by considering maps as both scientific and artistic products via which history can be reformulated as a cartographic experience while cartography can be contextualized as a critical map history.
Petro Trofymenko, Anna Minzhyner, V. Zatserkovnyi
et al.
Background. The presented study sheds light on the issue of land price formation in Ukraine as a result of military aggression in conditions of uncertainty. The research involved identifying the peculiarities of the formation of the real price of land plots in the case of concluding a purchase and sale agreement in conditions of uncertainty, depending on a complex of price-forming factors, primarily, taking into account the distance from the line of combat with intensive combat operations, geographical conditions of the territory. It has been shown that the land market under wartime conditions is effectively in a state of stagnation due to numerous risks for both sellers and buyers. The lack of clear legal regulation and the high risk of property loss lead to land purchase and sale transactions being carried out with significant restrictions, which do not meet the criteria for the full functioning of a market mechanism. Methods. Used research methods: geospatial data analysis (kriging method), mathematical statistics, cartographic-analytical assessment. Among the main types of uncertainty, several determining factors are identified: political and military risks, instability of the legal environment, potential losses, uncertainty of the reliability (sufficient security) of the geographical location of land plots, as well as the uncertainty of the future. Results. The sale price of land plots for various purposes exhibits dynamic and geospatial differentiation, depending on the manifestation of various determining factors: the state of the military-political and economic situation, as well as their geographical location, which generally corresponds with soil quality. It is characterized by the location of land plots within urban agglomerations of large settlements and/or under the protection of natural obstacles, such as rugged terrain or large bodies of water (lakes, rivers), which can potentially slow down a military offensive. Conclusions. A significant influence of the remoteness of land plots for the maintenance of a residential building and farm buildings from a localized combat zone (in the period 2014-2022) was revealed, however, the distance of land plots from the combat line at a distance of 50 to 100 km had practically no effect on the formation of the purchase price - the sale of land plots, which is connected with the intensification of hostilities and the transition of the situation to a state of higher degree of uncertainty. The obtained results provide important information for planning the future development of the land market under wartime conditions and post-war recovery. They indicate the need to adapt land valuation methods considering the current military-political realities and are aimed at minimizing risks for participants in land relations. The results of the study indicate the need to make appropriate changes in the methodology of normative monetary valuation of land plots and the methodology of expert monetary valuation of land plots.
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.
The teaching of mathematics at the Faculty of Military Technology of the University of Defence in the first two years of the five-year Military master’s degree is divided into the teaching of students in four specializations: Military Technologies – Mechanical, Military Technologies – Electrical, Military Geography and Cartography, and Cybersecurity. The article discusses the previous five-year experience in teaching the subjects Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III, and Graph theory for the specialization in Cybersecurity, that the author of the paper gained while teaching, as a guarantor of these four subjects. The article provides an overview of the topics that are covered, typical exam assignments, and an evaluation of the results of the semester exams in the five years since the accreditation of the Cybersecurity specialization was granted.
The paper provides a careful analysis of the Volga River Delta according to Engelbert Kaempfer’s map “Hetsuydelykste gedeelte van de Vliet Wolga” (“Southern part of the Volga River”) dating back to 1697. A comparative-historical analysis of the delta hydronyms was carried out for the first time, showing the similarity of some hydronyms of the western part of the delta with the Olearius’ map (1647) and the present day situation. It was concluded that the Kaempfer’s maps are highly informative in terms of the geographical realities of the Caspian Sea region in the 1670s. Detailed representation of large and small waterways indicates the interest of Europeans to the possibilities of navigation along the Volga-Caspian route. A historical and geographical reconstruction of the traveler’s water route from Astrakhan to the Caspian Sea was performed. The results of the study extend our knowledge of historical and geographical realities of the 17th century, forming new horizons for research in cartography, history and cultural geography.
The current paper aims at spatial presentation in Cinque Terre. The purpose is to reconstruct digital products (maps, statistics, diagrams, and 3D models) and the spatial analysis of the five villages. The goals are the presentation of the geomorphology, geography, population, density, and area. Also, the Strength-Weakness-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis creates the disadvantages and advantages of the five villages in the region. The methodology is based on the software (G.I.S. Pro, QGIS, Zephyr 3D, Microsoft Excel, Generic Mapping Tool) and the bibliography study. For instance, the construction 3D terrain model shows the buildings, roads, green areas, and land cover of the five villages. The digital products help better “read” the region and emphasize the measurements and location of the region’s elements. The final results contain a message about new technologies and spatial planning. The new technologies have given spatial solutions in the last few years. The innovative, understanding, and attractive cartographical digital products present the geomorphology of the traditional villages in Cinque Terre.
Jamming interference to GNSS receivers is a growing threat as more systems and devices rely on GNSS for Positioning, Navigation, and timing (PNT). The European GNSS Agency (GSA today EAASA) estimated there were 6.4 billion GNSS-enabled devices in use worldwide in 2019, and forecasts this will rise to 9.5 billion by 2029 — equivalent to 1.1 devices for every
person in the world.
<p>With this contribution (which is designed as a positioning), the author
pleads for a more consistent consideration of structural influences in the
discussion of mortality in (textbook) population geography, and for a
critical discussion of these influences. He refers to various conceptions
that already have fixed places in human geography – but not in population
geography – and that offer starting points for corresponding discussions.</p>
Human ecology. Anthropogeography, Geography (General)
In this paper, we evaluate various medieval cartographic and diagrammatic representations of the Holy Land. The analysis focuses particularly on the religious dimensions of these representations and their potential for making pilgrimage accessible, creating religious symbolism and exciting spiritual emotions. The leading hypothesis is that medieval mapmakers introduced special technical features into maps and similar cartographic representations to deepen religious emotions and to stimulate intense sensory responses in the readership of narrative travel accounts.The main focus of the paper is one of the most important late medieval travel accounts on Palestine, namely Burchard of Mount Sion’s ‘Descriptio Terrae Sanctae’. It begins with an outline of the tradition of maps and other diagrammatic representations connected with Burchard’s ‘Descriptio’. We then concentrate on one particular graphical projection, the double-paged Holy Land map in Florence (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Plut. 76.56, fols. 97v–98r). Finally, our paper contextualizes the Florence map in the late medieval reception of travel reports, exploring how cartographic visualizations could stimulate an emotional response intended to intensify the experience of pilgrimage.
Timely and reliable estimation of regional crop yield is a vital component of food security assessment, especially in developing regions. The traditional crop forecasting methods need ample time and labor to collect and process field data to release official yield reports. Satellite remote sensing data is considered a cost-effective and accurate way of predicting crop yield at pixel-level. In this study, maximum Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) during the crop-growing season was integrated with Machine Learning Regression (MLR) models to estimate wheat and rice yields in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Five MLR models were compared using a fivefold cross-validation method for their predictive accuracy. The study results revealed that the regression model based on the Gaussian process outperformed over other models. The best performing model attained coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE, t/ha), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE, t/ha) of 0.75, 0.281, and 0.236 for wheat; 0.68, 0.112, and 0.091 for rice, respectively. The proposed method made it feasible to predict wheat and rice 6–8 weeks before the harvest. The early prediction of crop yield and its spatial distribution in the region can help formulate efficient agricultural policies for sustainable social, environmental, and economic progress.