DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e159882

Authors: Samira Alakbarova

Abstract: Strengthening the interrelations between spatial risk analysis and sustainable territorial development has emerged in recent years as one of the key directions in geographical and socio-economic research. This study employs a complex approach to ensure the integration of spatial risk factors into sustainable territorial development processes. The Shaki-Zagatala economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan was selected as the pilot area within the framework of the research. In the contemporary context of increasing natural and technogenic risks, global climate change, and the growing complexity of socio-economic and territorial development processes, the importance of spatial risk analysis and management defines the relevance of this research. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of natural-technological processes occurring between 1950 and 2024 in the six administrative districts (Shaki, Zagatala, Gabala, Balaken, Oghuz, and Gakh) of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region. Statistical analyses are conducted to explore the relationship between population density and the intensity of natural-technological disasters. By applying a combination of advanced spatial-statistical methods, such as the Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi* and Analytic Hierarchy Process, the study aims to evaluate the correlation between population density and disaster frequency, identifying high-risk areas and their temporal patterns. In the presented article, as a result of the complex studies conducted to achieve the set objectives, a map of the spatial distribution of natural disaster risks in the Shaki-Zagatala economic region has been developed. The results obtained allow for the identification of the area’s risk profile and the establishment of key priorities for long-term growth. A strategic planning model has been developed based on the identified opportunities and challenges in the field of sustainable territorial development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e152149

Authors: Aigul Sergeyeva, Imanaly Akbar, Yergali Karakulov

Abstract: The development of large cities has a significant influence on surrounding settlements. Urban areas are characterized by diversity and variability, depending on their size, function, combination of elements, and the spatial distribution of industrial and transport infrastructure. Over the past decade, due to population resettlement, urban settlements have undergone substantial transformations. However, spontaneous processes often accompany urban development, and land use efficiency remains suboptimal. The relevance of this study is determined by the necessity of analyzing urban territories as an integral part of the city. This paper presents an analysis of the structure and dynamics of suburban development in the vicinity of Aktobe. The expansion of these areas plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s economic landscape and determining its growth trajectories. The study employs statistical, comparative-analytical, and isochrone methods. From a geodemographic perspective, the suburban zone of Aktobe is of particular interest due to its formation characteristics and specific spatial dimensions. The most active and attractive development occurs within a 15–30 km radius from the city center, corresponding to 40-minute and 90-minute isochrones. In recent years, Aktobe has been experiencing rapid urban growth, necessitating the resolution of key planning issues such as functional zoning, urban regulation, development of major transport infrastructure, preservation of recreational areas, and the establishment of green spaces. A SWOT analysis of the settlements surrounding Aktobe was conducted as part of the study. One of the identified strengths is the favorable transport and logistics situation. Additionally, the study evaluates other strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential opportunities and existing constraints for suburban development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e131436

Authors: Gergana Nikolova, Emilia Patarchanova

Abstract: Healthcare is an activity of great humanitarian and social importance. Good health is a right of every human being, an asset and a source of economic and social stability. The health status of the population is crucial for reducing poverty and at the same time contributes to sustainable territorial development. Despite the established principles of accessibility and equality in the use of medical assistance and the existence of a valid health card, our research has shown that the population has different access to facilities and centers for medical assistance at the regional and local level. The localization and concentration of healthcare facilities and all other elements of the healthcare system in the studied Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) 3 area—the Kyustendil region, Bulgaria—are tied to the largest ities in the region and the administrative centers of the municipalities. This poses a problem for the population from the remote settlements of the district, which has considerable difficulties in obtaining medical care even in emergency cases and in accessing specialized hospitals, laboratories, etc. The geographical characteristics of the area have a significant impact on the time needed to cover the distance between the villages and the towns where the health facilities are located. Hence the specific case study to solve this problem at the local and regional level. The conducted research tries to solve this case study, which was made in the studied area, but is also relevant for many other areas in Bulgaria. It is important to note that the Kyustendil region has very good indicators of health infrastructure and supply of health professionals, which make it one of the leading places in Bulgaria. However, part of the population of the district has very difficult access to the healthcare system, which is the main reason for the higher premature mortality due to diseases, especially among the population living in the villages. An in-depth spatial analysis of the territorial location of all elements of the health system and the provision of specialist doctors was carried out. The results obtained are visualized through graphics and a map created with GIS software.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115392

Authors: Olufemi Anjorin

Abstract: Transportation constitutes one of the pivotal systems crucial to the advancement of so-cioeconomic conditions. However, numerous communities, particularly in Nigeria, face a multitude of transportation challenges. The primary objective of this study is to examine the spatial arrangement of transportation facilities in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with the intention of identifying spatial-related challenges confronting the transportation sector and the socioeconomic development of the state. During the period spanning 2018 to 2019, an investigation into the spatial distribution pattern of transport facilities within the state was conducted. To gather data pertaining to the geographical concentration and developmental trajectory of the transportation system in the state, the ArcGIS 10.5 Length Calculation Module, Google Earth Pro, and questionnaire administration were employed. Data were subjected to inferential statistical analysis, results were tabulated, and maps were generated. The findings unveiled three distinct modes of transit, namely road, water, and air, with roads emerging as the most prominent option. Furthermore, the state exhibited a higher prevalence of paved (engineered but untarred) roads compared to tarred roads. Moreover, an analysis of the spatial pattern encompassing the state’s population and road network revealed that the length and density of tarred roads were greater in less populated Local Government Areas as opposed to the more populated ones. Ultimately, the road network pattern has yielded negative consequences for the state’s development. In light of these findings, the study puts forth recommendations that emphasize the urgent need to tar the numerous paved roads within the state in order to enhance connectivity with markets and other urban-centric facilities.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e108502

Authors: Leonid Todorov, Elena Todorova

Abstract: The present research investigates the possibilities of the available online resources and GIS analytic tools to facilitate integrating the spatial context in urban and regional planning by testing a GIS-based location analysis that uses widely available data for identifying an appropriate site for National Children’s hospital in Bulgaria. The elaborated methodology is easy to use, employs accessible online resources, and could be applied in different scales. The aim is to produce a comprehensible instrument that could be adopted by public authorities and used for informed political decision-making. A series of geospatial analyses are used to evaluate the potential location and its alternatives based on transport accessibility, population density in the service area, and public transport connectivity. The analyses are based on the online resources of Google Maps that are used to evaluate the transport accessibility to all the possible locations using different perspectives. The pedestrian access to public transport is also calculated to assess the different modes of transport available. To assess the locations according to the transport accessibility of the population, tools from ArcGIS Pro Network analyst are used. Accessibility is considered from the patient's perspective. The results are analyzed to make a supposition of the alternatives and to come up with a conclusion about whether the already chosen location is a sensible choice from a transport accessibility perspective. The outcomes of the research could help policymakers understand some of the spatial complexities associated with the demand and the accessibility dimensions of healthcare access. The article emphasizes the significance of integrating the spatial context in urban and regional planning and the possibilities of the new technologies to facilitate that task. This methodology for location analysis could be also used for other public services and urban-related matters.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.12

Authors: Rossen Koroutchev

Abstract: This paper researches the Night-time public transport in Madrid, one of the most famous by its night-life European city. By explaining the history of its night-time transport since 1974, when 11 night urban lines have been created, an analysis of the current situation is presented, which concerns the night transport extension to the rest of the municipalities inside Madrid area. Based on official statistical data and surveys provided by the corresponding municipality authorities, the efficiency of two interurban night-time lines of interest is analyzed. The methodology uses demographic and network analysis based on the passenger patterns during 2017. Quantitative graph measures of the Madrid’s night transport such as diameter and clustering are also presented. Finally, some comments and recommendations for improving the current city´s night-time public transport, as well as some future extensions of the analysis are presented.

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