DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e162641

Authors: Elena Todorova, Miglena Zhiyanski

Abstract: This study suggests an understanding, based on the local perspectives, of the underlying reasons why the municipality of Velingrad, a mountainous region with abundant natural resources and promising tourism sector does not retain its population and harness its endogenous potential to develop sustainably. Q methodology is employed to better comprehend how people collectively perceive certain problems and their solutions. The results lead us to three well-defined perspectives that highlight high-disagreement areas where dialogue and negotiation are most needed, especially around tourism’s role, environmental trade-offs, and benefit-sharing mechanisms. The study revealed deep distrust in the governing system and a general sense of political and ecological alienation. The future of mountain villages is not perceived as a collective responsibility, but rather as a challenge they are expected to manage on their own. As a result of these insights, the study suggests changing the course of local development and reframing the management model into a more open community-based platform that integrates local voices and energy by involving them not only in framing the policies but also in the implementation and monitoring process. This study uses Q methodology to explore how local stakeholders perceive the factors influencing the socio-ecological framework that guides local management decisions.

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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.e145478

Authors: Ion Andronache

Abstract: This study investigates the application and performance of several fractal analysis methods for interpreting complex spatial patterns in 2D and 3D grayscale images. Using synthetic datasets with known properties, we systematically evaluate the accuracy of multiple fractal metrics. Among these, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) dimension and Higuchi dimension proved the most effective in capturing both isotropic and anisotropic structural complexity. The methods were then applied to case studies that address land use change, deforestation, reveal fragmentation patterns, and spatial heterogeneity. Notably, fractal metrics offer consistent and scalable tools for monitoring landscape transformations over time, providing valuable insights for environmental assessment and biodiversity conservation.

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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.e115315

Authors: Rossen Koroutchev

Abstract: The current study delves into the contemporary challenges within the Zakarpattia region of Western Ukraine. It accomplishes this by examining the circumstances of the local populace and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) hailing from Eastern Ukraine who arrived following the onset of the armed conflict in February 2022. Official statistics were employed to scrutinize the social and economic characteristics of the IDPs, as well as their influence on local development in Zakarpattia. These findings were then compared to the on-site research conducted by the author in the region during August 2023. The primary conclusions drawn from this research affirm the amelioration of the local economic status and job prospects in Zakarpattia as well as the adaptation of the IDPs to the new life in the region.

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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.e102519

Authors: Mariela Nekova

Abstract: The significance of review articles has been proved. This type of articles is especially necessary now, when immediate actions to save an important economic sector must be taken. The present research aims to determine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one of the most important elements of tourism – the accommodation facilities, through bibliometric analysis. In order to achieve this goal, the VOSviewer software was used, and data from one of the world’s largest databases of scientific production – the Web of Science, was collected. The bibliographic coupling approach was used in the bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric analysis was followed by content analysis of the most cited studies from each cluster. The effects of COVID-19 on the accommodation facilities are summarized and classified by groups.

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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.e89215

Authors: Aleksandra Ravnachka, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: Light industry is one of the most important and priority industries in Bulgarian economy. It includes the production of textiles, clothing, and leather. Its development affects the state of the country’s overall economy. Despite the numerous studies that use GIS, in Bulgaria there have been no publications on the application of statistical analysis with the use of ArcGIS software. This study aims to apply Geographic cluster analysis using ArcGIS software to analyze the light industry in Bulgaria as of 2010, 2015, and 2020. The grouping of areas by selected indicators in the present study was performed with the Grouping Analysis tool. NO_SPATIAL_CONSTRAINT was selected for the Spatial Constraints parameter and FIND_SEED_LOCATIONS – for the Initialization Method. In this case, we used the K-Means algorithm to partition features into groups. That algorithm is one of the most popular and widely used clustering algorithms in GIS applications. The areas were grouped into 10 clusters. The selection of indicators on which the clustering procedure was based, is following the generally accepted indicators for assessing the state and importance of the food industry in the structure of the economy. The following indicators were used: output for 2010, 2015, and 2020; number of employees and export earnings as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, for each administrative-territorial unit. The spatial distribution of the population, in combination with the historical and the modern economic development of the settlements, forms the regional differences in the development of the light industry in the country. The cluster analysis of certain indicators for the assessment of the light industry at the NUTS 3 level as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, shows some changes in the spatial development trends of the industry. The cluster analysis shows that there are slight spatial differences in production at the NUTS 3 level, with large consumer centers and markets being the most important.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78975

Authors: Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Bilyana Borisova

Abstract: Natural habitats and their biodiversity are usually associated with protected areas, incompatible with direct anthropogenic influence. Is there a biodiversity in urban environment, what is the role of peri-urban areas to the provision of species richness and is their potential being properly utilized? These are current issues that deserve the attention of decision-makers because the human's need of natural environment in cities is expressed more intensely than in any previous period in history. Green and blue infrastructure elements, being part of the larger system of urban ecosystems, provide an essential and proven benefits to the city dwellers, like health improvement, opportunities for nature-based daily outdoor recreation, strengthening sense of place etc. The main objective of this research is to assess this part of the landscape elements in urban and peri-urban environment, which are most supportive to the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. Selected Functional urban area with center city of Burgas is choosen for a case study. The urban ecosystems are assessed in GIS environment with unified indicator (based on City Biodiversity Index approach) according to 5 criteria: hemeroby index, share of protected areas, fragmentation index, presence of water and species richness. The assessment is performed on two spatial levels: within Functional urban area by Urban Atlas spatial units and within urban core – by grid cells (local climate zones). The final higher scores identify areas that provide the greatest extent the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. The results could support the urban planning and help to optimize the link between the natural elements within the Functional urban areas, providing ecological, economic and social benefits to the regions through the enhancement of the urban ecosystem’s functions and their services.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e72500

Authors: Mladen Silvestriev, Bilyana Borisova, Radenka Mitova

Abstract: Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78692

Authors: Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: The importance of the landscapes for the development of recreation and ecotourism is significant but very little studied. Usually, scientists use spatial units to map and assess the ecosystem services CORINE land cover or similar classifications. Traditional multi-level landscape classifications, very well-known and developed in the XXth century in Bulgaria, Russia, and other Eastern and Central European countries, could give valuable information for various indicators for ecosystem services assessment. From another hand, these classical landscape ecological maps are very little- known for the international scientific audience. We decided to conduct an experimental mapping and assessment of ecosystem services based on multi-level landscape classification. For this, we have chosen a case study area with hilly karst relief, which is part of the inner Predbalkan Region, located in North-Central Bulgaria. The site represents a scientific interest in terms of its transitional position between the Stara Planina Mountain and the Danube Plain and the presence of various anthropogenic changes. The study aimed to develop and test an original methodology for mapping and assessment of the capacity of the contemporary landscapes in the Strazhata syncline upland and Melovete hills to provide cultural ecosystem services – recreation and ecotourism. The results showed that 70% of the territory has medium or higher capacity, dominated mainly by karst areas with natural vegetation in protected sites.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e73687

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, Radenka Mitova, Mariyana Nikolova, Bilyana Borisova, Desislava Hristova, Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Miglena Zhiyanski, Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: Natural heritage (NH) is an important element of the natural capital of each country, and as such, represents key assets that deliver various benefits to the citizens. The rich and diverse NH of Bulgaria is a prerequisite for the development of various activities such as recreation and tourism, but these activities have also negative impact on some of the NH’s elements. The concept of ecosystem services (ES) has the potential for bridging the gap between the conservation and exploitation needs. In this paper, we propose an approach to prioritizing the ES provided by the natural heritage of Bulgaria for the needs of recreation and tourism. The approach is designed for the mapping of the NH but it can also support the overall process of mapping and assessment of ES. It is based on application of ES prioritization matrix (ESPM) and a five-step algorithm designed to differentiate ES into priority levels according to their significance to recreation and tourism. Through the application of the proposed approach we were able to sort out the ES into three groups (high, medium and low priority) according to their importance to recreation and tourism. The first group contains obligatory ES for each mapping and assessment activity from national to local level. The second group contains optional ES recommended for studies at regional level, while the services can be selected according to the specifics of the study. The low priority ES are recommended for local level studies in cases where the assessment requires high details and accuracy. The mapping of high priority ES at national level shows that the products of the approach can be easily adapted for various studies for assessment of NH and sustainable tourism practices using the conventional mapping methods.

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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.e69814

Authors: Eugenia Sarafova

Abstract: Over the last decades, the pressure that people and their activities put on the environment has increased. Green areas in many cities are diminishing in size due to urbanization, which inevitably leads to a decrease in quality of life. This study uses remote sensing (RS) data for Sofia, Bulgaria, for a period of nearly four decades, analyzing the dynamics of NDVI of the urban development units (UDUs). Statistics for NDVI per were calculated for each UDU for eleven dates in the following years: 1987, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2011, 2015, and 2020. An estimate was made of the amount of green vegetation per capita, similar to other coefficients used for population analysis. NDVI profiles for major urban parks showed differences for the studied period. Sentinel-2 data for 2020 was used for visualization of the current situation, in combination with detailed population data for all UDUs. The obtained data will help the decision-making process for the development of UDUs, while the methodology can be applied in any other city worldwide.

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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.2020.43.10

Authors: Alexander Yanakiev

Abstract: Rapid development of remote sensing technologies, including the introduction of new sensors and platforms opened up a whole new field of their application such as monitoring of vulnerable habitats without direct contact, bearing potential harm of the ecosystems within them. The paper explores such opportunities and looks at the conditions of riverine forests along Kamchia river in 2019, using Sentinel-2a, b imagery.

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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.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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