DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e177296

Authors: Dmytro Kasiyanchuk, Yaroslava Atamaniuk, Mykola Deputat, Svitlana Gavdey, Pavlo Horishevskyi

Abstract: The objective of the present study is to undertake a quantitative assessment of the spa-tial impact of tourism on natural complexes in the Carpathian region. This is achieved by employing geostatistical modelling methods. The present study deviates from con-ventional buffer methodologies insofar as it employs an integrated algorithm founded upon Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), thereby amalgamating multivariate analysis with detailed land use classification (LULC). In the analysis, each of the seven factors ̶ hydro-graphic network, relief, transport accessibility, hotels, tourist routes, land use types and nature conservation areas ̶ is standardised on a scale of 1–10 and synthesised into a single model of the vulnerability of natural landscapes to tourist pressure. The spatial integration of the factors demonstrates that areas exhibiting high and very high vul-nerability encompassed a total area of more than 310 km², constituting approximately 34% of the total area under consideration. These areas are predominantly concentrated within mountain valleys and along major transport axes. The findings demonstrate the substantial analytical superiority of KDE in comparison to buffer models, owing to its capacity to accommodate continuous impact gradients and its strong alignment with actual urbanisation patterns. The proposed approach can be applied to spatial planning for sustainable tourism and environmental monitoring in mountain regions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e164548

Authors: Youssef Lassiane, Farid El Wahidi, Hassan Ait Naceur, Hoda Benazun

Abstract: The Skoura oasis, located in the Ouarzazate region of southern Morocco, represents a fragile agro-ecosystem increasingly affected by land degradation processes. This study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of desertification in the oasis from 1984 to 2024, in light of climate variability and anthropogenic pressures. An integrated approach combining remote sensing data and environmental indicators is adopted to characterize changes in vegetation and soil conditions. High-resolution satellite imagery from Pléiades 2023 and time series data from the Landsat (5, 7, 8) and Sentinel-2 missions are processed using object-based image analysis and segmentation techniques. Three key indicators are employed: the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), surface albedo, and the Sand Fraction Index (SFI). These indicators are integrated to construct a Desertification Monitoring Index (DMI) within the Google Earth Engine platform. Results reveal that in 1984, 24.3% of the oasis area was already classified as highly desertified, particularly in the eastern, southern, and central zones. A slight improvement was ob-served by 1996, with the desertified surface decreasing to 8.6 %. However, a renewed intensification occurred between 1996 and 2010, especially in areas dominated by date palms and olive groves. From 2010 to 2024, desertification progressed further, marked by significant vegetation loss. The findings highlight the persistence and aggravation of land degradation over four decades. The study demonstrates the value of integrated remote sensing approaches for monitoring desertification and supports the need for adaptive strategies to ensure the sustainable management of oasis ecosystems.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e134780

Authors: Gulzhan Avgusthanova, Nazgul Zhensikbayeva, Saltanat Aitkozhina, Nazerke Amangeldy

Abstract: The article is dedicated to the matter of implementing a local history studies component among the students majoring in Geography at higher education institutions, in conjunction with the Geoinformation mapping courses. When studying courses of the major, the students consider the matter of local history studies that allows them not only to get informed about the territory of the native land as a whole but also enables them to create its general geoinformational model. The practical stage of the research engaged the 3rd and 4th year students majoring in Geography and Geography and History at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University. During the experiment, the students created a layout of unique places and tourist zones of their native land. As a result, using region information mapping, the students prepared digital layouts of the East Kazakhstan region, which had not been previously mentioned in the Geoinformational mapping course.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e142535

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: Ecosystem services research in Bulgaria has been actively studying different aspects of this concept and its implementation. Although it is widely recognizable, the concept has still not been sufficiently implemented in Bulgaria’s decision-making process. Following the European and global initiatives for implementing biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) into the decision-making process, we have identified the stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the possible initiatives for improving the uptake and the lack of sufficient education program coverage within secondary and higher education. In this short communication, we suggest practical priorities for the future development of BES activities enabling the uptake in Bulgarian education and policy.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e136806

Authors: Samy A. Anwar, Latifa Zhouri, Bilel Zerouali, Yong Jie Wong

Abstract: This study aims to reduce uncertainty in future projections of potential evapotranspiration (PET) across Egypt by utilizing the regional climate model (RegCM4) under two distinct Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP): RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The RegCM4 was downscaled using the medium-resolution Earth System Model from the Max Planck Institute, achieving a horizontal resolution of 20 km over Egypt. Initially, the spatial distribution of simulated PET was assessed, followed by the orrection of historical PET calculations using long-term gridded data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) through a linear regression model (LRM) at twelve locations representing diverse climate zones in Egypt. The LRM was then applied to adjust future PET projections covering the period from 2006 to 2100. Significant spatial anomalies in PET were observed, articularly during the periods 2061–2080 and 2081–2100, with more pronounced anomalies under the RCP8.5 scenario compared to RCP4.5. Across all locations, the RegCM4 effectively captured the monthly variability of PET in relation to CRU data. Furthermore, the application of the LRM substantially improved the accuracy of simulated PET, demonstrating the ffectiveness of this approach in enhancing model performance and reducing uncertainty in future projections.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e126650

Authors: Tsvetan Parov

Abstract: Discovered only about 200 years ago, Antarctica is the poorest and most isolated ecosystem on Earth. Its thinner atmosphere, due to the centrifugal forces of Earth’s rotation, the ozone hole, and stronger solar radiation, creates a natural laboratory that provides information about the state and trajectory of Earth’s climate condition. This study aimed to determine the depth of heat penetration from the surface of the glacier into the crevasses in the ablation zone and establish the zone of constant temperatures in the glacier. It explored the relationship between the air temperature at the glacier surface and the temperature distribution in the crevasses, including the temperature gradient at different levels and the direction of the airflow. We used autonomous data loggers for measuring and recording temperature and relative humidity. The measured depth reached 18 m in the central part of the glacier and 9 m in the periphery. An ultrasonic anemometer was installed in the deepest crevasse in to the center of the glacier to determine the size and direction of air flows. Meteorological parameters such as air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and solar radiation were measured on-site using autonomous sensors and recording devices mounted on installations on the glacier surface and at depth using alpine techniques. The results show a temperature gradient through 3-meter layers, a relatively clear boundary of the constant temperature zone, and a significant infiltration of cold air through the crevices driven by turbulent wind processes. Additionally, a weak negative correlation was found between solar activity and temperatures in the crevasses. It appears that as solar activity increases, the temperature decreases. There are also weak but consistently positive correlations with air movement both upward and downward. The temperature becomes constant with the increase of the depth until a zone of constant temperatures is determined and the temperature variance becomes insignificant. This zone varies in different crevаsses, meaning it is influenced by the specific characteristics of each crevasse location. At shallow depths, temperature is influenced by external temperature, but with the depth increasing this influence decreases. On windy days, the zone of constant temperature expands. During higher solar activity, air circulation accelerates—both upward and downward. The relationship between solar activity and climatic processes in glacier drainage systems adds new insights to solar-terrestrial physics.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115062

Authors: Mariela Nekova, Galin Petrov, Rumen Yankov

Abstract: Settlement formations are a specific and relative new category of territorial units in Bulgaria. They were introduced by law in 1995. According to the Act of Administrative and Territorial Structure of the Republic of Bulgaria, settlement formations are built-up areas outside the construction boundaries of settlements. Unlike settlements, settlement formations have no permanent population. They serve specific functions—residential, industrial, transport, etc. They are differentiated into settlement formations of national importance and those of local importance. So far, no special scientific studies have been conducted on the settlement formations in the country. This study focuses on the settlement formations of local importance with recreational functions. Settlement formations with potential for tourist supply are identified. An analysis of tourist resources and accommodation facilities as factors for their formation and functional development is conducted. On this basis, a classification of settlement formations of local importance is proposed, in which they are differentiated into six types. Examples of settlement formations with different recreational profiles are provided. The study presents the current state of settlement formations of local importance in Bulgaria, because they are a dynamic category of settlement structures. The results of the study are illustrated by relevant maps.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e89878

Authors: Davis Dinkov

Abstract: In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have increased rapidly and successfully established themselves as a tool for the rapid collection of high-resolution images as baseline data in land cover studies and topographic mapping. In photogrammetry using the SfM-MVS method of processing captured images, indirect georeferencing of the digital data through ground control points (GCPs) is usually applied. But selecting, marking, and coordinating GCPs in hardto-reach terrains is time-consuming and sometimes dangerous or impossible. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution topographic data (HRTD) products of photogrammetric processing of PPK-directly georeferenced images by SfM-MVS workflow. Direct and indirect methods of georeferencing digital products are compared. The planimetric and vertical root mean square error (RMSE) in the position of the validation points were calculated by the differences between measured coordinates in dense point clouds, orthophoto mosaics, and terrain surfaces (DSM), and precisely measured coordinates of the validation points by GNSSRTK receivers. The analysis is based on a statistical evaluation of experimental data obtained from a TAROT X6-based hexacopter equipped with two different image sensor configurations: 1) Sony RX0 action camera and 2) Sony A6000 mirrorless camera, and 3) DJI Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter with integrated additional L1-GNSS module for direct georeferencing by PPKmethod. HRTD generation was performed with three block control configurations for each UAV: 1) Indirect georeferencing via GCP only, 2) PPK direct georeferencing without GCP, and 3) PPK georeferencing using one GCP. Our research showed that when using L1-GNSS onboard receivers for PPK-georeferencing without any GCPs, the point cloud's planimetric accuracy (RMSExy) was from 0.125 to 0.231 cm, depending on the UAV/camera configuration. However, two flight missions produced significant vertical offsets, most likely due to ionospheric disturbances affecting the resolution of phase cycle ambiguities in the single-frequency receivers used. When adding one control point in the PPK georeferencing method, the planimetric and vertical accuracy of the data is comparable to the indirect GCP referencing method. Furthermore, our results show that camera properties (i.e., focal length, resolution, sensor quality) affect the quality and accuracy of digital products. The HRTDs were also evaluated according to the ASPRS (American Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Society) Standards for Accuracy of Digital Geospatial Data. Analyzing the accuracy of the HRTDs obtained with the experimental UAV/camera configurations for the test area, the present study shows that the PPK-SfM-MVS workflow can provide quality data with a centimeters accuracy of the photogrammetric products.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e101301

Authors: Petar Stefanov, Hristina Prodanova, Dilyana Stefanova, Vanya Stoycheva, Gergana Petkova

Abstract: Karst is a widely spread natural phenomenon which provides essential benefits to human society, such as drinking water. The water cycle in the karst geosystems is the main factor for their formation and at the same time one of the main drivers for ecosystem services (ES) provision. The monitoring of the water cycle can provide valuable information regarding its functioning and ensure data for ES assessment. This paper aims to present an overview of the monitoring of the water cycle in the karst geosystems and the opportunities to integrate the monitoring data into the water regulation ES assessment. The monitoring of the water cycle is based on the methodological framework ProKARSTerra. It is applied in model karst geosystems, which are representative of the main karst types in Bulgaria. One of them is the Brestnitsa karst geosystem, which is the case study of this work. The monitoring ensures data for analyses of the water cycle which can be used in the assessment of water-related ecosystem services. The results from the analyses of the data requirements and availability show that some services such as water flow regulation and regulation of chemical condition of freshwaters can be easily provided through data for quantification, while for others further studies are needed. The results of the long-term integrated monitoring in Brestnitsa karst geosystem provide the foundation for important conclusions and models for the karst genesis and function under global changes and active anthropogenic pressure. Their integration into the assessment framework and mapping of ecosystem services is an essential step towards the development of models for sustainable use of natural resources in the karst areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e99268

Authors: Gergana Petkova, Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: The mapping of ecosystems is a significant element in the European Biodiversity Strategy and the results of its implementation should support the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services. The quality of the spatial data is of crucial importance for the achievement of these goals. A methodological framework for Bulgaria in the form of nine separate methodologies has been developed in recent years. In this paper, we analyze the ecosystem typology for Bulgaria and the GIS database to assess the possibilities to develop a common database for the needs of integrated water management. The data analyses were carried out in two dimensions: 1) the typology and attributive data were analyzed by cross-tabular approach; and 2) the spatial data were analyzed by topology rules. The results of the study reveal three main problems of the typology: 1) for some types it is developed to the fourth level while for others it is to the third level; 2) in some of the ecosystem types, especially in the freshwater ecosystems, different categories are mixed within a single hierarchical level; 3: there are duplicated numerical designations between grassland and forest ecosystems. This necessitates a revision of the typology and the development of a correct uniform classification to be used for the needs of integrated assessment. The topology analyses of the merged data from the eight ecosystem GIS layers show extremely large numbers of gaps and overlaps. The main reason is the use of different sources for the mapping of different ecosystem types. The main conclusion is that it is practically impossible to generate topologically correct integrated GIS layers from the eight ecosystem type layers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new approach for mapping all ecosystem types into a uniform database.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e94102

Authors: Leonid Todorov, Kristian Kirilov

Abstract: A specific feature of the period of transition in Bulgaria in the field of urban planning is that a large part of the newly developed urbanized territories was transformed from their previous purpose (mainly agricultural lands) via detailed urban plans that were very fragmented. When changing the purpose of the land in this way, the procedure is significantly easier than with an Urban master plan, but this leads to many negatives. Thus, the territory becomes significantly fragmented when it comes to the purpose of the properties. This leads to environmental consequences that are overlooked by the officials in charge. One such example is the basis of our present study - the attempt to destroy the Boyana Marsh so that the land can be used for building a residential complex. In this study we examine the application and integration of various types of geospatial technologies for the purpose of land use change detection and monitoring of endangered territories that should be protected. We examine the processes of collecting primary historical spatial data and their combination with two UAV field surveys carried out specifically for this purpose. Based on the collected data, specific analyzes of the affected territories were made. The data and all results are presented in a web application that aims to promote the case study and help garner wider public support for the initiative “Save the Boyana Marsh”.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78680

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, Bilyana Borisova, Mariyana Nikolova, Miglena Zhiyanski, Stelian Dimitrov, Radenka Mitova, Boian Koulov, Desislava Hristova, Hristina Prodanova, Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Yonko Dodev, Ivo Ihtimanski, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: Natural heritage (NH) includes natural features that can be described as outstanding universal value at a national level. It refers to the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and geodiversity for their existence value, and the ecosystems can be considered as the spatial units for its mapping and assessment. The ecosystem services (ES) concept provides an appropriate basis in the form of assessment and mapping methods that enable linking the state of ecosystems with human well-being. Thus, it can be used as a platform to find solutions to the problems related to the conflicts between conservation and the use of the NH. In this paper, we aim to present the process of developing a methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria for recreation and tourism. The conceptual framework of the ecosystem-based assessment of NH in Bulgaria is based on the assumption that the generation of NH for the needs of tourism can be presented as the linkages between the natural systems and tourism in the form of ES potential, flow, and demand. The results demonstrate that the NH can be presented as a spatial phenomenon conceptualized by the flows of benefits from ecosystems to people which contribute to human well-being. The mapping and assessment procedures are fully developed for application at a national level, while for the regional and local level, few pilot studies mark some basic foundations for further development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e64223

Authors: Stanley D Brunn

Abstract: Issues related to morality have been discussed in the geography literature off and on for the past fifty years. Since morality deals with correctness—right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, or correct vs. incorrect—it is not difficult to understand how these value labels also exist in geography contexts. The geography literature often deals with morality questions in a light or superficial way which leaves geographers and others wondering if there are more value questions we might address in studying human actions and behavior. Three major foci are addressed in this discussion. The first is to explore moral questions geographers might address when looking at cultural behavior, economic development, social policies, allocation of resources, environmental understanding and interpretation of places and landscapes. The second focus is on mapping moralities, including examples of maps that display visible and invisible geographies about moral places and spaces. The third discusses how this moral thread is worthy of further study in many fields of human and human/environmental geography. A greater understanding these threads will strengthen our understanding and appreciation of “why things are the way they are” but also “why we make decisions that we do” at local and global scales.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.5

Authors: Milen Chanev, Lachezar Filchev, Dimka Ivanova

Abstract: In recent years, a number of studies have proven that the conventional agricultural system is not sustainable, toxic to the environment, human health, and its potential to feed humanity is limited to the next 50 years. With this in mind, as well as the increasing demand for healthy and safe foods, and the increase in the proportion of people who care about how the food they consume was produced, how much it does not harm the environment and health, farmers are starting to reorient their production into organic. Over the past 40 years, remote sensing methods and technologies have increasingly been used in agriculture. They have proved extremely useful for optimizing the working processes in the sector, as well as solving many of the problems in it. With this report, we aim to draw the scientific community's attention to the possibilities provided by remote sensing methods and technologies to solve a range of problems related to organic cultivation of cereals.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.6

Authors: Lachezar Filchev

Abstract: In the article is made an overview of the application of different satellite remote sensing methods and technologies in detection of the abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes. The review paper is discussing in short the application of different remote sensing technologies such as: satellite multispectral and infrared (thermal), imaging spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. The studied period spans from the onset of the satellite remote sensing in the 1960s until present day. In conclusion, are drawn requirements for the perspective technologies in satellite remote sensing which should address the fast and reliable detection of the manifestation of abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.1

Authors: Eugenia Sarafova, Spasimir Pilev

Abstract: Caricature maps have long been used for political propaganda, forging ideas and views. This study examines the successful examples of political propaganda from different historical periods by combining the caricature genre with cartography. Caricature maps from Bulgaria and the world are discussed, paying special attention to one of the most famous Bulgarian cartoonists – Rayko Alexiev. In his works can be found many examples of spatial representation of geopolitical events and processes from the 30s and 40s of XX century in Bulgaria, the Balkans, other world regions, and even the whole globe. Examples of 21st century political propaganda through caricature maps of Brexit are also discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.17

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Mariya Petrova

Abstract: The paper is devoted to Assoc. Prof. PhD Nikola Todorov’s life and professional contributions (1955- 2018) – a prominent Bulgarian geographer, unreservedly dedicated to the science and field researches, who left а rich creative heritage in the field of Physical Geography and Landscape Science. He was the leading author in the development of the second landscape classification system of Bulgaria and in the creation of а landscape map of Bulgaria on a 1:500 000 scale, which is one of his main contributions. An important contribution in his research activity is the developed classification system of anthropogenic changes and landscape disturbances in Bulgaria, which is applicable to the whole country and encompassing the enormous variety of natural-territorial complexes and their changes. He was a scientific mentor for 26 master students and 4 PhD students. Assoc. Prof. Nikola Todorov was a Lecturer who inspired generations of students and many young researchers with his erudition and oratory skills.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.9

Authors: Emilia Tcherkezova

Abstract: Prof. PhD Dinyo Dimitrov Kanev was one of the most distinguished Bulgarian scientists and university lecturers in geomorphology of Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. The paper presents prof. Kanev’s main scientific works. On the basis of their analysis, they have been grouped into books, maps and atlases, as well as publications related to various thematic topics, e.g. investigations of denudation surfaces, the impact of the base level of erosion on the relief development, studies of the geomorphological evolution of various areas in Bulgaria, morphostructures and morphostructural development of Bulgaria’s relief, the neotectonic movements and their geomorphological response, studies of the volcanic relief in Bulgaria, as well as analysis of the seismic activity and the impact of the relief on the seismic effects, etc. Other works, such as ones related to the problems of the geomorphological investigations in Bulgaria, the geomorphological specifics of the Main Watershed of the Balkan Peninsula, the relation between relief and recreational resources, etc., have also been presented in the paper. Additionaly, the contributions of Prof. PhD Dinyo Kanev to the establishment of section “Geomorphology and Cartography” (now “Climatology, Hydrology and Geomorphology”) in the Faculty of Geology and Geography at the Sofioter University “St. Kl. Ohridski”, Sofia and to the development of geomorphology and cartography as scientific fields in Bulgaria are highlighted.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.4

Authors: Alexander Gikov

Abstract: Maps of contemporary landscapes for 1966, 1980, 1997 and 2016 in key area "Bogdaia" have been made by processing and visual interpretation of historical aerial photographs and recent satellite imagery. The identified changes in the study area show that there is a clear trend of increasing the area of forest landscapes and decreasing the area of grass landscapes which are of secondary origin. For the same period, the transitional forest-shrub landscapes show fluctuations without a clear trend. The restoration of natural forest landscapes is explained by the changed land use and the almost complete lack of grazing in recent years. The process of natural forest landscapes restoration is more active in the coniferous landscape belt and on slopes with northern exposure while in the lower deciduous belt and on slopes with southern exposure component it is slower.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.2

Authors: Alexander Gikov, Petar Dimitrov

Abstract: At the end of the summer of 2017, the weather in Bulgaria was very dry and hot and this contributed for the occurrence of a series of wild fires. The largest and most prolonged was the wild fire that raged in Kresna gorge. The fire broke out on August 24 and lasted for nearly a week. The aim of the paper is to make an assessment of the damage caused by the August fire and by a smaller wild fire in the same region, which broke out on July 13, 2017. The assessment is based on images from the satellites Sentinel-2A and -2B. For the identification and mapping of burned areas the spectral indices NBR (Normalized Burn Ratio) and dNBR (difference NBR) were used. Map of burn severity within the fire perimeter was compiled by reclassifying the dNBR values into three classes. The total burned area was 2199.1 ha; of this, the August fire covered 96%. The greatest part of the fire scar, over 50% of the area, is characterized with medium burn severity (dNBR between 0.27 and 0.66). Both, the lowest (dNBR between 0.1 and 0.27) and highest (dNBR>0.66) burn severity levels covered about ¼ of the total burned area. A map of the major land cover types in the study area was prepared in order to assess the most severely affected land cover types. The map is derived from supervised SVM (Support Vector Machine) classification of a Sentinel-2B image acquired before the fires. It was found that the coniferous forest class is dominated by the highest burn severity level (43.7% of the area). In the broadleaf forest class the areas with the lowest level of burn severity prevail (53.5%). The main reason is that coniferous forests in the study area represent artificial plantations created at altitude lower than the usual altitude of coniferous species in the region. Therefore they are much more susceptible to fire than broadleaf species which are native to the oak belt.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.9

Authors: Subin Ivanov, Krasimir Videv, Penka Kastreva

Abstract: Symbols have a great impact on humans, so the use of map symbols has its advantages in creating and using the map. They communicate between the map author and the reader by helping to read the map faster. There are many unified symbols in the tourist maps. However, they do not deplete the diversity of objects that represent our cultural and historical heritage (CHH). Mapping and researching of the cultural and historical heritage sites is one of the priority themes of the INSPIRE program which aims to locate them on the Earth's surface and to describe in detail their characteristics. There is no comprehensive information system in Bulgaria and a specialized map of the cultural heritage. This is yet to be done and is an urgent task. The aim of this study is to highlight the need to develop a universal symbol system covering cultural monuments of national significance. In the framework of this experiment a symbol system has been developed for the cultural and historical sites in the region of Shumen.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.11

Authors: Elena Todorova, Stelian Dimitrov

Abstract: The contemporary higher education in Bulgaria accumulated a number of problems over the years and they become a hindrance for it to successfully function as a driver of research and development activities, produce experts for the labor market and be a strategic business partner. Meanwhile, the higher schools have the potential to develop and influence on the regionaleconomic profile. This paper elaborates on the problems and influence of the higher education from socio-economic point of view while focusing on the regional manifestationof these problems, using visualizations, generatedby geographic information systems and studies the contemporary trends and development opportunities.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.8

Authors: Eugenia Sarafova

Abstract: The paper will examine the methodology for spatial modeling and ecotourism potential analysis through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in GIS, integrating data from satellite imagery. The AHP, combined with data from satellite images and GIS analysis, is an appropriate way of analyzing the ecotourism potential of a territory as it is possible to make a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the researched topic. The proposed methodology for assessing ecotourism potential could be used in different administrative territories both in Bulgaria and in other countries.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.3

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov

Abstract: Mapping and assessment of ecosystem services (ES) is a complex activity which includes spatial data acquisition, its organization into databases and generation of maps for the areas of ES supply and demand. GIS is an integral part of these activities and plays key role for the mapping and assessment of ES. There is a significant advance in the development of various tool and models for mapping and assessment during the last decade. The use of GIS in ecosystem services mapping can take three general approaches, analysis tools built into GIS software packages, disciplinary biophysical models applied for ecosystem service assessment and modeling tools designed specifically for ecosystem service assessment. This paper presents the main advantages of the GIS application in these three approaches through analysis of the available tools, models and techniques. The applications are illustrated by examples of mapping works in different areas in Bulgaria.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.2

Authors: Adelina Dimova

Abstract: This paper presents practical importance of space-time models and creation methods in GIS environment. It contains definitions of basic concepts, specifics of time-space modeling, someapproaches for modeling time and methods for integrations time-space models in GIS.Practical importance of space-time models is presented by sixexamples in two categories: study of natural factors and elements and study of socio-economic factors and elements.

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