Cartographic Methods Research Articles

Planning of rational use of forest resources in Ukraine based on the improvement of ecosystem services

The study of land conservation methods for forest conservation and restoration is important and relevant from the standpoint of balanced use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation. The purpose of the study was to investigate effective strategies for the exploitation of land with self-forested areas to meet the needs of the agricultural sector of the Zolochiv District of the Lviv Oblast. In the course of the study, the following methods were used: analysis; geographical method; statistical method; cartographic method; geoinformation method. It is worth noting that for the land plot No. 1 within the Buska territorial community of Lviv Oblast, it was recommended to conserve the land, with its subsequent renaturalisation. According to the results of the analysis, it is shown that in 2011 the processes of independent afforestation of agricultural land within the Busk territorial community were insignificant. In 2023, the situation improved, as the area of afforded land increased significantly. To the soils of the land plot No. 2, which was part of the Brody urban community, it was advisable to use conservation and transformation. In the Zolochiv community, 14.2 hectares of land should be rehabilitated, 27.3 hectares should be transformed into pasture, and 3.5 hectares should be alkalised. The paper suggests the introduction of innovative approaches for integrated planning of the use of forest resources: creation of forest farms, development of forest tourism, creation of special forest stands for air filtration, application of bio-refining technology, etc. The findings can be used by local communities to develop and implement a draft of measures for the comprehensive development plan of the territory of the Lviv Oblast to improve forest ecosystem services

Analysis of natural prerequisites for the development of ecotourism in nature conservation areas (on the example of the Pyryatynskyi National Nature Park)


 
 
 This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the natural recreational resources of Piryatinsky NNP, which are attractive for the development of ecotourism. To achieve this goal, the paper uses general scientific methods of scientific knowledge (analysis and synthesis from information sources), as well as the cartographic method. Recommendations for attracting more ecotourists have been formulated and an ecotourism bicycle route has been developed. To determine the period of maximum recreational activity, a phenological calendar of visits to the park’s protected area was created. The results of this study highlight that spring and summer provide the best conditions for a wide range of activities: animal and plant observation, walking along ecological trails, hiking, and representation of the entire natural complex of the Uday River floodplain. Species diversity in autumn and winter is much lower, so visitors are offered a range of activities including zoo ecotourism, landscape ecotourism, and aqua ecotourism. It is also worth noting that not all natural locations are easily accessible, as 40.1% of the land is covered by wet-lands. The development of ecotourism within Piryatinsky NNP is promising, given the significant species biodiversity and the fact that the NNP is part of the Emerald Network of Europe, including the world’s smallest flower plant, the wolfia. When studying a protected area to organise ecotourism, it is necessary to take into account the availability of tourist infrastructure – equipped recreational areas for tourists, rental offices, etc. Based on the above material, it can be noted that a favorable basis for the development of ecotourism in Piryatinsky NNP is the following: location (proximity to Chernihiv and Kyiv regions; the administrative center of Piryatin city community in Lubny district; landscaped and «undeveloped» areas), biodiversity (attractive objects; river valley terraces), bioclimatic and environmental favourability. The park also has ecotourism routes and an educational eco-trail. Thus, the considered NNP as one of the ecotourism sites in Poltava region is an interesting place for environmental research. The practical significance of the study will allow involving stakeholders (local residents, business organizations) in active actions to develop ecotourism. The information presented in this paper will allow for certain decisions to be made when developing a park management strategy, as well as in the geographical distribution of guide training.
 
 

Impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the European economy

ABSTRACT The article aims to identify the origin of the key sources of economic threats to Europe as a result of the Russian invasion, evaluate them and suggest ways to minimise or eliminate such threats. The methods of establishing cause-effect relationships, analysis, synthesis, graphical and cartographic methods, statistical analysis, analysis of dynamics and structure were all used. The background and causes of the war were considered, the economic consequences for Ukraine, including damage to the population and infrastructure, trends in the dynamics of gross domestic product, exports, imports and consumer prices were studied.

Changes in the ethnic structure of the population of Central Asia countries in the post-Soviet period

Central Asia is the only macro-region of the post-Soviet space where population growth has been observed over the past three decades, accompanied by a significant restructuring of the ethnic structure. The purpose of the study is to identify the most significant factors that influenced the change in the national composition of the population of the countries of Central Asia that occurred in the post-Soviet era, or more precisely, in the period between 1989 and 2021. The study is based on statistical, graphical and cartographic methods. The analysis showed that the most important factor influencing the change in the ethnic structure of the population of Central Asia in the post-Soviet period was the high natural increase in the titular peoples of the countries of the macroregion, which led to a more than doubling of their numbers in their republics. The second important factor in the ethnic restructuring of the Central Asian states was the reduction in the size of the non-titular population of the republics as a result of their migration outflow and natural decline. The opposite dynamics of the titular and non-titular populations of the Central Asian republics in the post-Soviet period led to a sharp increase in the share of titular peoples in their populations. Currently, in all countries of Central Asia, the share of titular peoples exceeds 70 %, and Tajikistan can already be considered a mononational state.

Application of modern survey and cartographic methods for documenting and presenting existing and historical workings of the UNESCO heritage site: Silver mine in Tarnowskie Góry

In this article, contemporary survey and cartographic methods were employed to document and present both the existing and historical workings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry. Terrestrial laser scanning was utilized to capture detailed point clouds, which were then processed for advanced 3D applications. Due to the mine’s limited man-made roof supports, traditional vectorization methods were found to be impractical. Instead, ContexCapture Bentley software was used to create a detailed mesh model, overcoming the limitations of standard mesh algorithms in capturing intricate interior details. The project also integrated historical and current maps, orthophotos, and a digital terrain model to enrich the dataset. For georeferencing, fixed church locations were used, and vector layers were developed to map shafts, adits, water tunnels, and narrow-gauge railways, with each layer annotated with historical and geometric attributes. This approach not only preserves the mine’s complex features but also enhances its usability for future analysis and educational purposes. The resulting data offers a comprehensive, interactive representation of the mine, providing valuable insights into its historical importance and its ongoing role in the region’s mining heritage.

Карты Дальнего Востока России XVIII в., составленные участниками академических и правительственных экспедиций и на их основе, как источник по истории изучения региона и картографии как науки

The article has carried out the approbation of the theoretical and methodological principles of the neoclassical paradigm of historical science, anthropological and spatial turns, and an interdisciplinary approach to the study of maps of the Far East of the 18th century, made by participants of Russian academic and government expeditions and based on them. These materials show the evolution of cartography and cartographic method in Russia. The role of maps as a special form of representation of the course and results of scientific development of the Far East is investigated. The functions of specific elements of the content of maps and the influence of the actor on it are revealed. The history of the existence of individual cartographic materials is considered. The significance of maps as complex historical and historical-scientific sources is represented.

Зонирование территории России на основе региональных особенностей изменения численности городского населения в период с 1989 по 2020 г.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a change in the settlement system of the population, including urban ones. This was due to the socio-economic transformations that were taking place at the time. As a result, the process of megacity urbanization has been actively ongoing, with the concentration of people in large cities and regional capitals being a key feature. This has had a significant impact on the current state of Russia's urban landscape, and there is a need for further research into these processes. To better understand the current situation and potential future directions for the urban structure of the country, statistical analysis methods were used to analyze population dynamics in all Russian cities from 1989 to 2020. To visualize the data obtained, a cartographic method was used and areas of population growth or decline in cities were identified. The country is divided into nine regions, with six regions seeing an increase in urban population (Southwest, Northwestern, Central, Volga-Ural, Southern, and Siberian) and three regions seeing a decrease (Asian, European, and South Siberian). Over the period under consideration, the settlement pattern of urban areas has changed, with polarization increasing (between cities and rural areas, as well as between large cities and small cities), and regional inequalities deepening. However, there are also opportunities to overcome these negative trends through the implementation of an active regional policy, the promotion of new employment opportunities in remote areas, and the provision of social support to the population.

Innovative approaches to qualitative land assessment and valuation: use of modern technologies and geoinformation x systems

The article examines modern methods and technologies that can be used to increase the accuracy of land valuation. The authors analyze the current problems in the field of rating and offer ways of integrating geoinformation systems with the aim of creating a more objective and information-rich picture of land quality. The purpose of the article. Study of the potential of using the latest technologies and geoinformation systems in determining the quality and classification of land with the intention of increasing accuracy and impartiality in the assessment of land resources. Research methods. During the research, the following methods were used: comparative analysis, the method of automated image decoding, the cartographic method and the geo-information mapping method. The results. The article emphasizes the importance of geoinformation systems in the collection, processing and analysis of data, which allows taking into account a wide range of factors when evaluating land, including erosion processes, soil fertility, ecological status and other critically important indicators. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of using remote sensing and other automated methods for data collection. Conclusions. The results of the research are of practical importance, as they can be used to optimize agricultural management, plan the use of land resources, and develop strategies for their effective use and protection. Prospects for further research may include the development of new algorithms for the analysis and processing of data obtained from satellite images, as well as the improvement of existing geoinformation models for land evaluation. Integration of the obtained models and systems into the practical aspects of land use and agricultural management is also envisaged to optimize the use of land resources and increase the efficiency of land use.

Prospects for international cooperation and development of tourism and recreational sphere in the Russian-Belarusian border area

The article examines the key directions for the development of interregional cooperation between the Russian and Belarusian border areas in the field of tourism and recreation. The relevance of this problem is justified by the fact that the intensification of the activities of the Union State can become a driver for the development of the territory under study through interregional cross-border cooperation. The purpose of the article is to assess the prospects for interregional cooperation and development of the tourism and recreational sector of the border region. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematization and analysis of current information on the activities of the bodies of the Union State and the projection of its impact on the tourism and recreational sphere of the Russian-Belarusian border area. The author used general scientific, statistical, cartographic methods, analyzed the normative documents of the Union State, statistical data and scientific literature on the topic. In addition, a content analysis of the indicators of collective accommodation facilities in the study area was carried out, which made it possible to identify the most promising tourist centers, as well as the problems of creating a unified classification of hotels in the Union State. The practical significance of the research results lies in the use of the proposed cross-border routes, built taking into account transport, infrastructure and resource aspects. The article also analyzes the main problems hindering the economic and political integration of the two countries, as well as the development of interregional interaction in the field of tourism.

Study of traffic safety on the street and road network of Ternopil

The road safety issues in the city of Ternopil are studied in this article. The found actual deficiencies were structured according to the main indicators. Based on the analysis of the movement of traffic flows in the morning period, the most problematic sections of the SRN (street and road network) were identified. In general, the speed of traffic flows along the SRN in the evening peak period was found significantly lower than in the morning peak period. To analyze road traffic safety in the city of Ternopil, a cartographic method was applied. Based the obtained results, the road accidents in Ternopil mostly occur along main streets without clearly defined places of concentration. In this regard, a conditional indicator of the danger of transport corridors of Ternopil was derived, which allows analyzing the predominant location (clustering) of road accidents with victims in each district of the city. The current policy and practices of Ternopil in the field of road safety management need improvement. However, the volume of performed measures does not fully cover the need in traffic safety insurance and information provision of traffic participants. In general, it can be stated that proactive actions in the field of ensuring traffic safety are just starting in Ternopil (“starting city”). Thus, it differs favorably from the vast majority of other regional centers, in which the problem of traffic safety has not been even discussed so far. In addition, the plan for sustainable urban mobility is under consideration in the Ternopil City Territorial Community.

Evolution of Composition of the Gostilitsy Palace and Park Ensemble

The Gostilitsy Palace and Park Ensemble is in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Now in 2021 the palace-park complex is ruined and may be included in List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. This paper built on earlier analyses and presented new research results. Historiographical data about transfer the estate from Razumovsky brothers to other owners Potemkin and also fact of ownership of the estate by merchant Akimov in 1875 were rediscovered. For the first time graphic data is published — piece of the park layout near Lower Pond. Iconographic data are also published, it is watercolor depicting an open wooden gallery, which made it possible a number of findings about the planning structure the estate holding period of the Kirill Razumovsky, and two watercolors with views of the park. The resulting data and using the cartographic method there has been four development periods and Basic Plans were made. Elizabethan Baroque, Classicism and Romantic Gothic — style of the ensemble changed with the building of each new palace. During the ownership of the Gostilitsy by the Siemens family in the late 19th — early 20th centuries, the park was in its prime. Locations of viewpoints in today’s park were identified using watercolors of the 1850s by the artist Vasily Sadovnikov and photographs of the beginning of the 20th century, and the park pictures were recreated using 3D model. Graphic reconstruction of the park mid-19th — early 20th centuries is product of the work. The graphic reconstruction was analyzed in the context of the theory of A. T. Bolotov, and compared with the Palace and Park Ensemble of Bogoroditsk. As a result of art analysis, similar principles of space organization of both parks were noted, and a compositional structure was revealed, which was a landscape network of scenes and transit spaces.

Механізм формування воєнного туризму в Україні

Background. Military tourism in Ukraine is a relatively new direction that emerged after the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2014. According to experts' estimates, around 100,000 tourists interested in the war visited Ukraine in 2023. This figure is 30 % higher than in 2022. International support for Ukraine contributes to increasing awareness of our country and its history. Respect for memory and dignity is a fundamental principle in the ethics of research and interaction with the historical and sensitive topic of military tourism. Methods. General scientific and specialized research methods were employed, including analysis and synthesis, logical structuring, in formulating the theoretical and methodological foundations of the study – the essence of military tourism, aspects of studying military tourism. Expeditionary and remote methods were utilized in gathering initial information – surveying the territories of cities such as Irpin, Hostomel, and Bucha. Geospatial analysis methods were employed in processing the initial information and subsequent analysis – exploring the possibilities of creating thematic routes, which would allow for structuring visits and promoting historical and heritage sites. Geospatial modeling and cartographic methods were employed in analyzing the impact of military aggression on Ukraine on international tourism and in presenting the research results. Results. Military tourism was considered by us as a type of tourism in which tourists visit places and objects associated with armed conflicts, military history, and military events. This type of tourism can encompass various aspects, from visiting military museums and monuments to specialized tours where tourists can participate in military action simulations, visit military sites, and locations of combat. A proposed model for forming the typological structure of military tourism. Conclusions. Tourism based on history and cultural heritage can be more authentic and appealing to tourists. In the academic context, there is emerging research aimed at monitoring, evaluating, and optimizing military tourism routes. One aspect that has contributed to the success of military routes is the coordination of efforts to build a shared identity. It has been found that military tourism can contribute to raising awareness of war, promoting tolerance and understanding among people of different cultures, and fostering the development of Ukraine's economy, including international support for military tourism in Ukraine.

СУЧАСНИЙ ТА ДАВНІЙ РЕЛЬЄФ ГЕОАРХЕОЛОГІЧНОЇ ПАМ'ЯТКИ МЕЖИРІЧ

Background. Comprehensive geoarchaeological studies of prehistoric and historic human settlements involve analyzing all components of the ancient natural environment, including topography and landforming processes. However, insufficient attention to documenting these crucial characteristics, as well as arbitrary use of geomorphological terms, complicates their further interpretation. The research aims to revise existing geomorphological descriptions and paleogeomorphological reconstructions of the Mezhyrich geoarchaeological site, refining and detailing its position within the modern and ancient land surface structure. Methods. The research was conducted using cartographic methods and decoding materials from aerial photography. Additionally, a thorough bibliographic analysis of scientific publications related to paleogeographical reconstructions of the study area was carried out. Results. Discrepancies have been identified in precisely determining the geomorphological context of this site. The study delves into contentious issues surrounding various approaches to numbering the floodplain terraces. These debates stem from the use of different stratigraphic schemes for Ukraine's Quaternary deposits when dating alluvium. Additionally, the debate extends to criteria for terrace numbering. Through the analysis of satellite imagery, hypsometric and geomorphological diagrams, and other geological-geomorphological materials, the contemporary geomorphological situation has been refined, and the peculiarities of the ancient terrain have been unearthed. The role of morphostructural position, the spectrum of processes, and the dynamics of morpholithogenesis have been pinpointed. Conclusions. The conducted research substantiates the pivotal role of terrain in the selection and organization of safe living spaces for ancient humans. To address the issue of linking the Mezhyrich geoarchaeological site to the terrace level, the proposal is to number the terraces based on morphological features, thereby avoiding divergent interpretations of the ages of correlated deposits and discrepancies in terrace designations. Furthermore, there is potential for utilizing the geomorphological information from the investigated Late Paleolithic settlement as a search criterion for locating other ancient human settlements under similar physiogeographic and geological-structural conditions.

Направления цифровой трансформации социосервисного пространства северного региона

Considering inadequate social infrastructure, poor transport connectivity, migration outflow and deformation of the settlement system in northern regions, social services become less available. After searching for ways to change the situation, we hypothesised that digital transformation of healthcare and education plays an important role in improving the production and transfer of social services to consumers and adjusting the social service space of the Komi Republic. The region’s social development space is a stratified object consisting of different layers, such as settlement, social service (healthcare, general education) and infrastructure (transport and ICT). The weak consistency of spatial structures at different layers is considered in the context of the communication connectivity concept. The study aims to understand the potential of digital transformation of healthcare and education to increase the availability of social services. To this end, industry digitalisation indices were identified, the methodology of their digital maturity was tested. The cartographic method was used to present the spatial structure of the ICT layer showing the digital inequality of the population. A problem analysis of the location of healthcare, education and communication facilities in 687 settlements and synthesis of quantitative estimates of the social service and ICT layers revealed their inconsistency. A comprehensive assessment of services identified 234 critical settlements without primary and secondary schools and partially without accessible healthcare facilities. Only half of them have the ICT infrastructure required for digital transformation. The similarity transformation method of structures in a multi-layered space determined the points and formats of communication for compensating digitalisation. It will provide remote communication of people with medical organisations, educational services and create the technological basis for implementing strategic digital transformation projects, which will be examined in further studies.

DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE THROUGH A SPATIO-TEMPORAL GIS ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS. CASE STUDY: SOUTH-WEST OLTENIA REGION

This research paper investigates the state of agricultural crops in the Oltenia Region.We analyzed the main major agricultural crops (wheat, corn, sunflower and rapeseed) for the period 1990-2018, in Oltenia.The study aims to answer the following research questions, such as: What are the counties with the largest agricultural cultivated area?, Can the cartographic method be useful in the comparative analysis of the areas of agricultural crops in Oltenia?, and What factors negatively affect the development of sustainable (ecological) agriculture?.Using several research methods, such as document analysis, synthesis, comparison, statistical methods and referring to the available studies and statistical data series on the agriculture in Oltenia, this research paper highlights the position of the South-West Oltenia Region in terms of spatial-temporal dynamics and at the same time, the level of development of agricultural crops.

ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN EU COUNTRIES

Objective. The objective of the article is to analyze the main indicators of the functioning of the hotel industry in the EU countries and determine the current development trends. Methods. In order to achieve the set goals and objectives, the following research methods are used: analysis and synthesis (to determine indicators of the development of the hospitality industry of EU countries suitable for further analysis), statistical research, namely the construction and analysis of dynamic series (to determine and evaluate trends and regularities development of the hospitality industry of the EU countries), comparative analysis (for a country comparison of the EU countries hotel industry development indicators), cartographic method (for a visual demonstration of the spatial location of hotels and similar accommodation facilities in the EU countries), graphic and tabular methods (for a visual representation of statistical material ). Results. A study of the hotel industry development in EU countries is carried out based on the analysis of the main indicators of its functioning over the period 2012-2022, namely: the number of hotels and similar accommodation establishments; number of beds in hotels and similar accommodation establishments; the number of persons staying in accommodation establishments; number of overnight stays in accommodation establishments. The analysis of the main indicators of the EU countries hotel industry development in 2012-2022 allows us to identify the following trends: 1) constant growth in the number of hotels and similar accommodation facilities with an average growth rate of 2.19% and a negative growth of 3.8% in each of 2020; 2) significant national disparity in the number of hotels and similar accommodation facilities, as well as the rates of their positive and negative growth. Thus, the highest rates of growth were observed in Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Portugal, Lithuania and Malta, while negative growth was recorded in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Finland, Luxembourg; 3) a significant difference in the number and dynamics of beds in hotels and similar accommodation facilities by EU countries. Thus, the largest increase in hotel capacity occurred in Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia and Lithuania, while the most significant negative increase was recorded in Hungary and Luxembourg; 4) a gradual steady increase in the number of arrivals at tourist accommodation establishments in the period 2012-2019 and a sharp decrease in 2020 by 53.28% under the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions; 5) a gradual steady increase in the number of overnight stays in accommodation facilities of EU countries, their rapid reduction due to the impact of Covid-19 in 2020 (-50.54%) and the restoration of a positive trend in 2021 due to the relaxation of quarantine restrictions and the introduction of vaccination ( +28.8%).

Управление устойчивостью аграрного землепользования на локальном уровне с использованием ГИС-технологий и специального картографического материала

The purpose of the study: analysis of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai and its assessment. Research methods: The main scientific method of this study was system analysis, which was used to study the agricultural landscape management system. Methods of analysis and synthesis were used to identify structural units of land management, structuring the land information system (LIS) and special cartographic material, as well as studying the structure of agricultural landscapes. We also used the cartographic method in the design of unique map diagrams and information analysis in modeling agricultural land use. Research results. Based on the results of a long-term assessment of the sustainability of three agricultural land uses located in different natural and climatic zones, the conditions and factors that form the basis of the agricultural land use management system using GIS technologies were established. We found out that in order to manage the sustainability of agricultural landscapes, the mandatory information layers included in the data bank of a geographic information system (land information system) must include the following special cartographic materials: maps (scale 1:10000 or 1:25000) – landscape, soil, slope steepness, erosion, types of areas, tracts, lands, as well as the geomorphological profile of the surface. By processing materials with an information system, it is possible to implement at least 10 models for managing the sustainability of agricultural land use, which involve varying the structure of lands, lands, crop rotations, a set of crops, farming systems, a list of agro-, phyto-, reclamation techniques and measures aimed at achieving ecological and economic balance and, as a consequence, the efficiency of use of land resources. Conclusions. 1. Based on long-term spatio-temporal studies of agricultural landscapes of agricultural enterprises, a mandatory set of special cartographic materials of the geographic information system data bank has been determined, aimed at managing the sustainability of agricultural land use. 2. Using unique cartographic materials as an example, the possibility of modeling management scenarios in different natural conditions, characterized by different stability and efficiency, is shown. Modeling of agricultural land use makes it possible to determine capital investments and economic costs (economic and agronomic sustainability) when implementing the selected model, created on the basis of an analysis of the limiting factors of the territory. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in managing the sustainability of agricultural land use at the level of a municipal district and agricultural organization.

SCENARIOS OF THE AREA DEVELOPMENT AS A TOOL FOR TOURISM DESIGN: AN APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT

The development of tourist areas occurs under changing conditions; design solutions can quickly become outdated. The purpose of the study is to develop a method of adaptive scenario planning applicable for the design of tourist areas. The theoretical foundation of the study is a systematic and integrated approaches to the study of tourist areas, and the concepts of the recreation and tourism opportunity spectrum. The research materials include scientific works, cartographic data on sample areas, and the results of a stakeholder survey. We used observation, survey, and cartographic methods. The scenario development process includes 6 stages. The result is the creation of 3 types of interrelated scenarios: 1) spatial scenarios at the level of tourist opportunity zones, 2) spatial scenarios at the level of functional zones, 3) program scenarios. We studied examples of 4 types of tourist areas in the foothill and low-mountain regions of Altai; identified a range of basic tourist opportunities, including 11 types of spatial zones, as well as the features of a set of tourist opportunities for each sample territory. The proposed method for developing scenarios makes it possible to ensure the competitiveness for tourist areas in the future. This is due to having the widest possible provision of opportunities on the territory for different categories of visitors, as well as through monitoring and making changes to program and spatial scenarios at the level of functional zones.

All mixed up in the terrain: The geographic knowledge of mamelucos applied by Jesuits in the cartographic production of Paraguayan Backlands (1746-1753)

Cartographic images made by Jesuits in the 18th century turned out to be transnational and locally mixed cognitive experiences, as these missionary agents of a global institution were forced to establish a collaborative relationship with the multicultural spaces where they settled and undertook their activities. One of the cartographic genres developed by the missionaries, the Paraquariae Provinciae, combined information and geographical knowledge of the mamelucos, a mestizo social type of Amerindian with white Portuguese settler which has been widely acknowledged but poorly elucidated by the historiography making process. The present paper aims to address these issues by applying concepts and methods of critical cartography in order to compare maps built by the Jesuits.

The Impact of Public Open Space on the Image of Small Towns Centres in Slovenia

Despite all the principles of sustainable urban design, more and more spaces in small town centres are getting dedicated to traffic. Public open spaces (POS) in these towns are mainly reserved for car traffic, and social activities have been in decline. All at the expense of transportation space and built-up areas. As a result, there are fewer and fewer POS, which provide well-being and comfort to people, are accessible to all and are also attractively designed, allowing the development of a wide range of activities, and contributing to a town’s good image. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the state of provision of POS in the centres of selected small towns in Slovenia and to assess the image of these town centres. Using various methods and instruments, we tested the hypothesis of whether there is a relationship between POS and the image of town centres. We used a cartographic method and a questionnaire survey, as well as statistical methods, in order to confirm the hypothesis. The study has revealed that groups of morphologically similar small towns are statistically different from each other in terms of observed relationships between POS and the image of the town centre. Therefore, a morphological analysis approach is very important in terms of evaluating the relationship between POS and the image of town centres. In conclusion, recommendations are given for the design of POS in small town centres.