Cartographic Analysis Research Articles

Maps, Flags, and Security in the Indo-Pacific: Reframing China’s Influence in Africa

ABSTRACT Maps with flags have securitized China’s actions in Africa. This article combines spatial and cartographic analysis with securitization theory to test the role played by visual symbols in the securitization of the East African space and then compares this with on-the-ground realities. It finds that maps with flags have decisively securitized China’s presence and actions in East Africa for state actors with antithetical interests. Despite valid security concerns, securitizing China in East Africa conflates presence with hegemony and, thus, willfully ignores the sovereignty and agency of African states and peoples and simplifies East Africa to a zone on the map of great power contestation.

Investigation of Lineament Extraction: Analysis and Comparison of Digital Elevation Models in the Ait Semgane Region, Morocco

An automated lineament extraction model was successfully applied in the mountainous region of Ait Semgane, Morocco, enabling the identification of geological and tectonic linear features. Our research implemented several approaches including Topographic Position Index (TPI), shading, and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), as input for the lineament extraction algorithm and applied to various Dems. We aimed to compare all of these strategies to determine the optimal method and the most favorable input DEM. Results revealed variable performance among methods, emphasizing the importance of choosing the optimum method based on specific objectives. TPI and Hillshade methods showed high sensitivity in detecting lineaments, while ALOS PALSAR and Sentinel 1 InSAR datasets were effective for subtle features. Lineament density exhibited specific orientations for highly-dissected zones, with TPI highlighting NE-SW and E-W orientations. Lineament orientations demonstrated consistency with established geology, confirming pre-existing tectonic knowledge. Cartographic analysis of faults emphasized the success of the SRTM DEM model with the TPI method, highlighting significant faults. Results also revealed a concentration of faults in the NW and southern sectors, corroborating bibliographic references and the well-documented tectonic setting of the study area. This automated methodology facilitated lineament extraction in unmapped areas, reinforcing the validity of the undertaken cartographic analysis.

Glacier Cover Estimation: a Multitemporal Retrospective Analysis of the Uruashraju Snow-capped Mountain (Ancash)

Objectives: To estimate the evolution of the glacier cover of the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain (Áncash, Peru) between the years 2014 and 2024, Theoretical framework: The research is framed in the context of climate change, specifically in the reduction of tropical glaciers. Andean glaciers are key indicators of global warming, and their retreat affects the availability of water resources, impacting sectors such as agriculture, human consumption and local biodiversity. Method: A cartographic analysis of satellite images obtained through the "Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS C2 L2" mission for the years 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 was used. The images were downloaded from the USGS Earth Explorer platform and selected from the months of July to maintain temporal homogeneity. The spatial resolution used was 30 meters in visible, near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. Results and discussion: The results reveal a significant reduction of 37.28% in the glacier surface of the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain between 2014 and 2024. Despite some periods of temporary stabilization, the general trend is one of retreat due to climate change. This phenomenon affects water availability and poses risks for essential activities such as agriculture. Implications of the research: The research highlights the urgent need to take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on Andean glaciers, since their loss compromises the water and economic security of local communities that depend on glacial resources. Originality/Value: This study offers a detailed and updated analysis of the evolution of glacier cover on the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain, providing relevant data for water resource planning and climate change adaptation strategies in the Andean region.

Mining struggles in north-central Mexico: Between mining tradition, poverty, and environmentalism

The present study is centered on characterizing the conflicts associated with mining in Sonora and Zacatecas, two states in north-central Mexico. We consider the municipal surroundings where they emerge, via cartographical analysis of some variables including mining frontiers and poverty. The predominant conflict types show that communities are not inclined to accept mining as presented in government or corporate discourses; rather, communities struggle to improve their living conditions and preserve their natural surroundings. We can observe that in long-time mining locations, there is greater acceptance of the mining industry, so that the conflicts which arise tend to be concerned with labor or with eco-territorial matters of coexistence and pecuniary assets, although there are also alternatives; meanwhile, in places with recent mining penetration and deep-rooted agro-fisheries activities, conflicts tend to be eco-territorial regarding alternatives and territorial defense. However, the advance of the mining frontier configures the coexistence of different temporal regimes, based on complex spatio-temporal patterns where different types of environmentalism overlap with demands for opposition, negotiation, or collaboration in the same place.

Spatio-temporal variability of precipitation from 1980 to 2021 within the Oum Er Rbia hydraulic basin (Morocco)

Abstract The aim of this work is to assess the spatio-temporal variability of the mean annual rainfall during the last four decades within the Oum Er Rbia hydraulic basin. The used database in this study consists with a series of rainfall data at different time scale. These data were subjected to statistical and cartographic analysis. The obtained results show that, during the period of 1980-2021, interannual variability marked the evolution of annual rainfall averages. Furthermore, this variability is characterized by alternating sequences of dry and wet seasons. From the hydrological year of 2015, a general decreasing trend of rainfall has clearly marked and observed. Rainfall patterns in the Oum Er Rbia basin are also characterized by spatial variability. Interannual averages vary considerably from one catchment to another. The upstream part of the basin receives the most amount of rainfall. By contrast, the middle of the basin is the driest. The recent drop in precipitation has had a negative impact on the basin’s territory, most notably on water resources and agriculture.

A Cartographic Landscape Analysis of the Geo-Ecological Condition of the Natural Reserve Object—Lake Doshne (Volyn Polissya, Ukraine)

The cartographic landscape analysis of Lake Doshne employs geographic landscape methods, GIS cartographic modeling, and geo-ecological analysis. This study includes hydrochemical analysis of the lake’s water mass, focusing on saline blocks, tropho-saprobiological indicators, and specific toxic action indicators. Three geological sections of anthropogenic and pre-Quaternary complexes, along with a geological–lithological transverse profile of the lake basin, were developed. Additionally, a geographical landscape model of the lake’s natural aquatic complex was presented, distinguishing littoral–sublittoral and profundal aquatic sub-tracts and five types of aquafacies with landscape metric assessments. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis and the creation of cartographic models that can serve as a basis for lake cadastre and optimization of the ecological and landscape conditions in local territories.

Exploring the Landscape of Digital Entrepreneurship among Disabled People: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study delves into the landscape of digital entrepreneurship among people with disabilities through a bibliometric and cartographic analysis. Four key research questions guide the investigation: 1) What pattern have publications about digital entrepreneurship of people with disability shown throughout the years?, (2) Which writers and nations have made the most significant contributions to the literature on digital entrepreneurship of people with disability?, (3) Which journals publish the most articles about the digital entrepreneurship of people with disabilities?, and (4) What are the most popular keywords found in digital entrepreneurship of people with disability documents. The research unveils trends, prominent contributors, leading publication outlets, and prevalent themes in digital entrepreneurship among individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, employing cartographic analyses with VOSviewer, the study maps out the interconnectedness and collaboration networks among authors, nations, and keywords, offering insights into the global research landscape in this critical area. By shedding light on the existing body of literature and research dynamics, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of digital entrepreneurship within the disability context. It informs future research directions and policy initiatives to foster inclusivity and innovation in entrepreneurship

Analyzing the energy markets and financial markets linkage: A bibliometric analysis and future research agenda

AbstractThis study has been conducted using 200 articles from 1984 to 2023, by undertaking a meta‐literature review on the subject of energy markets and financial markets linkage (EFML). Our study consists of content analysis of 200 articles along with other analyses such as (i) co‐citation analysis, (ii) co‐authorship analysis, and (iii) cartographic analysis. We have identified five research streams: (1) Oil, stock, commodities markets, crypto currency, real estate, exchange rate linkage; (2) Oil and stock market linkage; (3) Energy as a portfolio diversification tool; (4) Dynamic linkage between the oil‐commodity market and stock market; and (5) Oil and other market linkages with respect to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the subsequent financial crisis, and other events. We have performed a comprehensive review of the EFML literature and provided the influential aspects of top journals and authors, the characteristics of the most studied topics, past and current key research streams in the EFML literature. We have also suggested 63 future research questions. Looking at the widespread interest of finance scholarship in the area of energy market linkages, the assessment of energy market linkages, and possible portfolio diversification opportunities and benefits, is of great importance and interest to researchers, policy holders, and portfolio managers.

The syntax of serial verbs in Jordanian Arabic: a cartographic analysis

The syntax of serial verbs in Jordanian Arabic: a cartographic analysis

Historical, legal and cartographic analysis of the formation of the Georgia-Azerbaijan state border (on the example of the David Gareji monastery complex and its surrounding area)

Historical, legal and cartographic analysis of the formation of the Georgia-Azerbaijan state border (on the example of the David Gareji monastery complex and its surrounding area)

A broad-spectrum vaccine candidate against H5 viruses bearing different sub-clade 2.3.4.4 HA genes

The global spread of H5 clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses threatens poultry and public health. The continuous circulation of these viruses has led to their considerable genetic and antigenic evolution, resulting in the formation of eight subclades (2.3.4.4a–h). Here, we examined the antigenic sites that determine the antigenic differences between two H5 vaccine strains, H5-Re8 (clade 2.3.4.4g) and H5-Re11 (clade 2.3.4.4h). Epitope mapping data revealed that all eight identified antigenic sites were located within two classical antigenic regions, with five sites in region A (positions 115, 120, 124, 126, and 140) and three in region B (positions 151, 156, and 185). Through antigenic cartography analysis of mutants with varying numbers of substitutions, we confirmed that a combination of mutations in these eight sites reverses the antigenicity of H5-Re11 to that of H5-Re8, and vice versa. More importantly, our analyses identified H5-Re11_Q115L/R120S/A156T (H5-Re11 + 3) as a promising candidate for a broad-spectrum vaccine, positioned centrally in the antigenic map, and offering potential universal protection against all variants within the clade 2.3.4.4. H5-Re11 + 3 serum has better cross-reactivity than sera generated with other 2.3.4.4 vaccines, and H5-Re11 + 3 vaccine provided 100% protection of chickens against antigenically drifted H5 viruses from various 2.3.4.4 antigenic groups. Our findings suggest that antigenic regions A and B are immunodominant in H5 viruses, and that antigenic cartography-guided vaccine design is a promising strategy for selecting a broad-spectrum vaccine.

How does tourist development influence traditional mountain landscapes? A case study from the Western Beskids, Poland

In many mountainous regions, ongoing reforestation leads to the permanent shrinkage of traditional landscapes connected with past human activity. Tourism is often perceived as a measure for the protection of traditional landscapes. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in-depth studies exploring the connection between mountain glade conservation and tourism development. This paper aimed to determine whether tourism development can prevent the reforestation of temperate mountain glades and to assess the extent of its influence on traditional glade landscapes. Based on the example of the Western Beskids (Poland), we investigated the change in the range of glades in relation to tourist development, which has not been analysed until now. Cartographic analyses were used to examine how the landscape has changed since 1983. To determine the influence of tourist development on the landscape, the tourism landscape footprint (TLF) index was calculated. Two trends were detected: reforestation in glades that are touristically utilized and the gradual tourist development of the remnants of traditional landscapes within preserved non-forested areas. The study reveals that despite tourism, reforestation within glades is continuing, and simultaneously, the share of tourist elements in the shrinking glades is increasing. In the case of areas intensively used for tourism, the traditional landscape is disappearing as it is transformed into a tourist landscape. Further studies are necessary to assess the level of tourism development that will provide traditional landscape conservation in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

RURAL SETTLEMENT NETWORK OF UKRAINE (THE SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF CHANGES)

In recent decades, with the intensification of urbanization processes in many countries, there have been numerous notable changes in the size of the rural population, as well as in the number and structure of rural settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess spatial changes in the settlement of the rural population of Ukraine from 1959 to 2021 based on the results of cartographic analysis. The sources of the study are census data for the relevant years (1959, 1970, 1979, 1989, 2001) and subsequent statistical observations. Spatial changes in the regional size and density of the rural population, as well as its territorial dispersion, are traced. Between 1959 and 2001, when the last census was conducted in Ukraine, the number of rural settlements in Ukraine decreased by 13,600. For the first time, the publication highlights certain changes in the characteristics of the rural settlement network, which are new aspects in studying its development.

Correlating geodiversity and mining in the seridó UNESCO Global Geopark: Spatial and impact analysis in brazilian northeast

Mining areas can provide important information for interpreting the geodiversity and geological heritage of an area, which also results in the need for special attention to conservation in terms of inventory, impact studies, and recovery plans for degraded areas. The territory of the Seridó UNESCO Global Geopark, northeastern Brazil, has several mining districts linked to the production of scheelite, gold, gemstones, dimensional rocks, and kaolin. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of mining on the geopark's geodiversity and geoheritage. Through cartographic analysis, mineral resources and mining areas were observed, overlapping with geodiversity mapping, geosites' proximity to exploration areas, and abiotic ecosystem services generated or interrupted by mining. The results showed a wide diversity of resources and different relationships between geodiversity hotspots, geosites, and mining areas. The mineral exploitation could be fundamental for sustainable development in the geopark, considering proper conditions of ecosystem services balancing, and adequate use of international geoheritage and geoconservation policies in active mining. Furthermore, the paper presented that abiotic nature should be considered in environmental impact assessments and mining restoration plans. The geopark management should continue to develop initiatives to take advantage of mineral resources to promote sustainability.

Cartographic Analysis of Malignant Neoplasms Incidence in the Population of the Siberia and the Russian Far East in 1993-2022

Cartographic Analysis of Malignant Neoplasms Incidence in the Population of the Siberia and the Russian Far East in 1993-2022

Influences of camp refugees on the environment of Minawao in Cameroon

Since 2013, Minawao, in Cameroon's Far North region, has been home to a camp for Nigerian refugees fleeing the violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram movement. The long-term establishment of the base has significantly impacted all aspects of the locality, particularly the environment. This article focuses on the influence of the refugee camp's presence on the territory of Minawao and its surroundings, emphasising changes in vegetation cover and land-use dynamics. The article was carried out using a methodology that included household surveys, cartographic analysis, and the collection of testimonies in the field. The investigation results reveal that the camp installation first led to declining agricultural and grazing activities. Secondly, the cutting of wood by the refugees has further degraded the region's vegetation cover, particularly in the forest reserve, showing a regression rate of minus 37.38% between 2015 and 2022. Lastly, the land occupied by the camp has gradually grown to exceed 1,493.11 ha of the area initially granted, and signs of soil degradation, mainly erosion (77.04%), are already visible. Initiatives have been implemented to combat this environmental degradation, including the "Make Minawao Green Again" project, activities to promote ecological charcoal and improved stoves, and waves of formal repatriation of refugees. However, these measures have not yet produced satisfactory results due to socio-economic and cultural constraints. Therefore, further humanitarian action to improve environmental management is needed to remedy these problems.

El paisaje histórico entre Portugal y Castilla a finales de la Edad Media en las orillas del Duero: SIG aplicado a las demarcações de fronteira

This study focuses on the historical landscape of the Douro River. The regional and local values of medieval cultural heritage elements were explored from “Demarcações de Fronteira” - a demarcation book dated from 1537-1538 - to understand the places and medieval testimonies of political, social, and economic relations between the two medieval kingdoms of Portugal and Castile. A document analysis is intended to identify and describe the cultural elements of a specific place and a particular time and discern resilient cultural features in the landscape. In parallel, a cartographic analysis could help to identify, characterize, and localize the late medieval landscape (beginning of the 16th century). This analysis is fundamental for comparing other periods and studying the landscape resilience.

Cartographic analysis as spatial determinant for climate change adaptation in the Hunter River Estuary, Australia

This paper explores the hydrological history of the Hunter River and Estuary (Newcastle, Australia), to identify pathways for incorporating climate-sensitive adaptation approaches into urban development and planning. The research method utilises mapping as a methodological discovery tools to visually articulate the correlation of pre-colonial hydrological landscapes, the transformation of the estuary over two centuries, the areas identified as at risk, and the opportunities for developing a climate-resilient estuary. This research aims to contribute to the redefinition of the discourse on the role of estuary planning for changing climate, focusing on four critical aspects: identify the impacts of urbanisation and industrialisation on ecosystems and its correlation with climate hazard at the estuary; visualise such transformations over time and space to identify critical spatial and climate factors threatening inhabitation; propose strategic spatial practices towards adaptation and resilience; and synthesising the options to foster reflective thinking and establish a correlation with novel policies, governance and practices. The study highlights that adopting new urbanism aligned with cultural and ecological principles can mitigate future climate impacts through re-naturalisation and urban adaptation to sea-level rise by focusing on proactive approaches to building resilient communities. This paper also acknowledges the need for site-specific adaptive design and planning strategies at multiple scales and governance levels.

Beyond Multidimensional Vulnerability Approach: A Triple Network Notion for Urban Cohesion in At-Risk Neighborhoods of Jaen’s Historic Center

Today’s cities need more than ever methodological devices that ensure a specific urbanism, in keeping with the complexity of relationships that occur in the urban space. Networks or systems of a diverse nature must be activated to achieve a certain success of the city, even more so in its fragile central fabric. This study is focused on the historic neighborhoods of the city of Jaén (Spain), which have a high vulnerability index. The aim is to establish a strategy to revitalize their urban and social capital and improve their articulation with the rest of the urban and territorial structure. A methodological proposal for the analysis of vulnerability factors and an urban and cartographic analysis of the public space is addressed through an interweaving of a triple network: environmental, social, and urban. For this purpose, the configuration of this overlapping network of analysis and the formulation of criteria is presented, which considers the urban multiplicity and promotes new dynamics for the integrated urban regeneration of the area and for the activation of public and collective urban spaces.

"I Go Outdoors for Activities Every Day": Go-Along With Seniors With Slow Walking Speeds to Explore Environmental Factors Influencing Mobility.

This study aims to: 1) Explore the mobility experiences of seniors with slow walking speeds (SSWS) in urban neighborhoods; and 2) Investigate their environmental barriers and supports. Go-along interviews were conducted with 36 SSWS residing in urban neighborhoods of Chongqing City, China. The mobility patterns and built environment factors influencing their mobility were revealed through cartographic analysis and thematic analysis. SSWS primarily focused their activities within a 400-meter radius of their homes. Built environment themes included topography, neighborhood services, sidewalks, seating, traffic safety, weather, greenery, and lighting. Significant mobility barriers included long stairs, steep slopes, fast-moving objects on sidewalks, road crossings, and fast traffic. Available handrails, nearby food-service places, ample seating, and greenery were identified as supportive factors for their mobility. This study stands out as the first to specifically examine the mobility of SSWS within the built environment. We suggest that SSWS should be taken into account when establishing a benchmark for general design frameworks. These improvements not only contribute to the mobility of slow walkers but also have positive impacts on the broader population.