The article is dedicated to the creative path and the scientific heritage of Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov – one of the remarkable scientists for the Bulgarian geography of the last century. The experience during the professional development from technician-geologist to professor and director of the Institute of Geography is accompanied by a research precision and focused interest in geomorphology, geology and physical geography. In this respect, original are the researches on the contemporary relief genesis and evolution, on the ore-controlling morphostructures of Southern Bulgaria, on the denudation surfaces number and age, as well as on the genesis of the piedmonts surfaces of the "glasis" type. As a leader of many large scientific teams and an initiator of large-scale projects, Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov successfully unites the highly professional knowledge on structural geomorphology and on geomorphological mapping with the qualities of a skilful administrator and a prominent and valorous geographer.

structural geomorphology, morphostructural analysis, neotectonic, ore deposits, denudation surfaces, geological and geomorphological mapping