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Vegetation of Cameroon includes a variety of landscape types with high biodiversity. Ecological monitoring of Yaoundé requires visualization of vegetation types in context of climate change. Vegetation Indices (VIs) derived from Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite image were analyzed in SAGA GIS to separate wetland biomes, as well as savannah and tropical rainforests. The methodology includes computing 6 VIs: NDVI, DVI, SAVI, RVI, TTVI, CTVI. The VIs shown correlation of data with vegetation distribution rising from wetlands, grassland, savanna, and shrub land towards tropical rainforests, increasing values along with canopy greenness, while also being inversely proportional to soils, urban spaces and Sanaga River. The study contributed to the environmental studies of Cameroon and demonstration of the satellite image processing.

International audience; The effects of herbicide diuron on photosynthesis and vertical migration of intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB) assemblages were investigated using chlorophyll fluorometry. The results shown diuron ≤ 60 μgꞏL-1 had no obvious effect on MPB vertical migration during 24 h indicated by consistent rhythm. Low concentration of 10 μgꞏL-1 diuron had no significant influence on MPB photosynthesis throughout, however, high concentrations of 40, 50, and 60 μgꞏL-1 had significant impacts exhibited by decreased parameters of maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), maximal PS II quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). For middle concentrations of 20 and 30 μgꞏL-1 , above decreased 3 parameters recovered sooner or later after 2 h or 16.5 h. Comparatively, rETRmax, Fv/Fm and NPQ are concentration dependent and more sensitive than other parameters in assessing diuron toxicity. This study revealed the potential of using MPB assemblages and chlorophyll fluorometry for rapid assessing diuron toxicity in coastal sediments.

Originating in the equatorial Pacific, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has highly consequential global impacts, motivating the need to understand its responses to anthropogenic warming. In this Review, we synthesize advances in observed and projected changes of multiple aspects of ENSO, including the processes behind such changes. As in previous syntheses, there is an inter-model consensus of an increase in future ENSO rainfall variability. Now, however, it is apparent that models that best capture key ENSO dynamics also tend to project an increase in future ENSO sea surface temperature variability and, thereby, ENSO magnitude under greenhouse warming, as well as an eastward shift and intensification of ENSO-related atmospheric teleconnections — the Pacific–North American and Pacific–South American patterns. Such projected changes are consistent with palaeoclimate evidence of stronger ENSO variability since the 1950s compared with past centuries. The increase in ENSO variability, though underpinned by increased equatorial Pacific upper-ocean stratification, is strongly influenced by internal variability, raising issues about its quantifiability and detectability. Yet, ongoing coordinated community efforts and computational advances are enabling long-simulation, large-ensemble experiments and high-resolution modelling, offering encouraging prospects for alleviating model biases, incorporating fundamental dynamical processes and reducing uncertainties in projections. Key points Under anthropogenic warming, the majority of climate models project faster background warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific compared with the west. The observed equatorial Pacific surface warming pattern since 1980, though opposite to the projected faster warming in the equatorial eastern Pacific, is within the inter-model range in terms of sea surface temperature (SST) gradients and is subject to influence from internal variability. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) rainfall responses in the equatorial Pacific are projected to intensify and shift eastward, leading to an eastward intensification of extratropical teleconnections. ENSO SST variability and extreme ENSO events are projected to increase under greenhouse warming, with a stronger inter-model consensus in CMIP6 compared with CMIP5. However, the time of emergence for ENSO SST variability is later than that for ENSO rainfall variability, opposite to that for mean SST versus mean rainfall. Future ENSO change is likely influenced by past variability, such that quantification of future ENSO in the only realization of the real world is challenging. Although there is no definitive relationship of ENSO variability with the mean zonal SST gradient or seasonal cycle, palaeoclimate records suggest a causal connection between vertical temperature stratification and ENSO strength, and a greater ENSO strength since the 1950s than in past centuries, supporting an emerging increase in ENSO variability under greenhouse warming.

This research focuses on the 2D and 3D geospatial analysis of the Ryukyu Trench, a deep-sea trench located in the western Pacific Ocean between Japan and Taiwan. The aim of the research is to visualize regional differences in the topography of the southern (S) and northern (N) parts of the trench. Technically, the methodology is based on using the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) scripting toolset, for modelling the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), and Earth Topography and Bathymetry dataset (ETOPO1) raster grids. The results demonstrated topographic differences in the two segments. The most frequent depths lie between −5,000 and −6,000 m. The N part has steeper gradient slopes and deeper bathymetry. Of the depth differences >−6,000 m, S has nine values with depths >−6,800 m while N shows 123 records (max −7,460 m). The submarine terraces of S have gentler slopes compared with the N segment. The technical approach presents GMT-based 2D and 3D cartographic modelling aimed at visualizing regional variations of the seafloor topography.

The paper aims to evaluate the presence and condition of vegetation by SAGA GIS. The study area covers northern coasts of Iceland including two fjords, the Eyjafjörður and the Skagafjörður, prosperous agricultural regions. The vegetation coverage in Iceland experience the impact of harsh climate, land use, livestock grazing, glacial ablation and volcanism. The data include the Landsat TM image. The methodology is based on computing raster bands for simulating Tassel Cap Transformation (wetness, greenness and brightness) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) sensitive to high biomass. The results include modelled three bands of brightness, greenness and wetness. Greenness variation shows the least values in ice-covered areas (-56.98 to -18.69). High values (-23.48 to 9.12) are in the valleys with dense vegetation, correlating with the geomorphology of the river network, the vegetation-free areas and ocean which corresponds to the peak of 30.87 to 41.19. The bell-shaped data distribution shows frequency 43.19–141.74 for vegetation indicating healthy state and canopy density. Maximal values are in ice-covered regions and glaciers (64°N-65°N). Very low values (0 to -20) show desertification and mountainous rocks. Moderate values (20-40) indicate healthy vegetation. The most frequent data: -28,17 to 11,8. The EVI shows data variations (-0.14 to 0.04). The study contributes both to the regional studies of Arctic Iceland and methodological approach of remote sensing data processing by SAGA GIS.

International audience; The study details geological analysis of the South China Sea region. South China Sea is a marginal sea located in unique geographical region of west Pacific Ocean. It has a complex tectonics history being developed at subduction zone of three tectonic plates: Eurasian, Pacific and Indian. Geologically, South China Sea is rich in mineral resources and has high geological prospects. Within the scope of the study, the review of the general settings of the study area (bathymetry, geology, tectonics and sedimentation) is accomplished by the report on the current activities, methods and research clusters. Current directions in the marine geological research in the South China Sea area are presented. Research methods of the seafloor surveying and mapping currently undertaken in the South China Sea region are described: systematic measurement by multi-beam echo-sounders, altimetric measurements, GPS positioning, application of the unmanned underwater vehicles, GIS mapping, data analysis, dredging and drilling. The results include maps visualized by means of Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) showing geological and geophysical settings in the South China Sea region, bathymetry and model of the marine free-air gravity. Research development and recent progress in marine geologic investigations are reported with focus on current activities in the coastal area of the South China Sea region.

The paper focuses on analysis of Central Asian hydro-energetic system and water usage in Tian Shan region. Tian Shan system is important water resource in Central Asia: mountains river waters are intensely taken for hydropower energy, urban systems, irrigation. But geopolitics in Tian Shan is difficult: it crosses five densely populated countries. Current problem consists in water delivery between territories located in the highlands with excellent water supply and those located in valleys with water shortage. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan control river basins, and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan depend on water supply. The problem of water use causes debates among these countries. Besides, climate warming affects glaciers and causes water deficit. Altogether, this leads to difficulties in hydro-energetics. A multidisciplinary analysis was performed in research: geopolitical problems of water supply in Tian Shan, spatial distribution of hydro-energetic resources and climate impact on hydro-energetics.

isbn: 978-989-97395-1-2; International audience; Research work analyzes current situation and development of tourism in the region of Baltic Sea. Specific case study of this paper is Pärnu Bay, Estonia. This region is known for unique environmental settings: mild maritime climate, broad beaches, coniferous pine forests on the coastal zone and high esthetic value of the surrounding landscapes. However, after the end of USSR, Estonia survived a difficult period of restructuring of economic and social system. This affected touristic cluster, rapidly developing in new directions. Soviet touristic areas became abandoned and reconstructed , new hotels are being actively created, intensive privatization of recreation houses is actively ongoing. Main problem in the touristic cluster in Estonia consists in its specific location on the Baltic Sea with cold climate in summer period. It causes low popularity among tourists, comparing to Mediterranean. Another problem consists in ongoing development of the country, reflected in low investments into tourism, comparing to other European countries. Therefore, the main perspective for the tourism development in Estonia includes active redirection towards eco-style sustainable tourism: camping, biking, sea side recreation, construction of summer cottages for vacations, organized tours to Natural Parks. This paper, supported by fieldwork, has analytical character reviewing current Estonian tourism dynamics. Sociopolitical effects on current tourism directions are discussed, while modern touristic system in Estonia compared to Soviet. The overview of the recreation resort places was performed in Häädemeeste municipality, Pärnu district, and resulted in series of thematic author photos. The research was performed at the University of Tartu.

International audience; Current research presents study of the hydrological characteristics in the surroundings of the Laguna de Gallocanta (Spain) using remote sensing methods and combination of two GIS: ArcGIS and Idrisi GIS. The methodology includes following workflow: 1) selection of the multi-temporal Landsat images and creating color composites; 2) Masking and overlaying study area out of the whole image; 3) Calculation of the direction and length of stream flow in the lake basin; 4) assessment of possible risks of floods and stability of coastal slopes. The research has aim of hydrological assessment testing GIS tools for environmental monitoring. The images are presented by Landsat ETM+, MSS and TM scenes acquired on years 1976, 1987, 1992 and 2000, respectively, with a cloud cover of 0%. The images were georeferenced in ArcGIS and rectified to the Grid Coordinate System using available vector layers. The georeferenced rectified image was then re-projected to the UTM projection WGS84 datum. The combinations of various bands (channels 2-1-4, 5-4-7, and 2-4-7) were tested and visualized. Second step included processing DEM (Digital Elevation Model) Data acquired by the SRTM providing high quality elevation data. The pre-processing included mosaicing images and cutting out study area. The hydrologically conditioning the DEM was performed: the elevations are modified in order to model flow directions. Modelling flow direction and flow accumulation was performed on the conditioned DEM using ArcGIS. The next step included extracting hydrologic features such as stream directions, length and basin extents from a DEM. The pit removal tool was used to remove error pits from a DEM. Final step included calculations of the flow direction and flow length that demonstrate the direction of flow out of each cell. Finally, using Basin function all cells belonging to the watersheds of one or more target cells were calculated. The results shown that area has sensitive hydrological settings which explains its prone to the environmental change. The research demonstrated successful use of GIS for the purposes of hydrological modeling in the environmental studies.

The study area is Šumava National Park (ŠNP), the largest of the four national parks (68,064 hectares) located in the south-west of Czech Republic, on the border with Germany. Since 1990 it has been the protected Biospherical Reserve of UNESCO (Bilek et al. 1990). Being a unique mosaic of natural and secondary habitats of exceptional natural value of European-wide significance, the components of the ŠNP represent is the largest terrestrial significant part of the Natura 2000 network in Czech Republic and Germany. For instance, the fauna species of ŠNP include protected important examples, such as e.g. lynx, otter and peregrine (Bláha et al. 2013). The ŠNP is established as a special regime of environmental protection with unique biological communities that are the most precious objects of protection. The area is represented by the vast wooded areas, mountain spruce and mixed forests of various ages, peat bogs, meadows biotops, moors and lakes. Altogether, they create a unique mosaic of biotopes, which encompass a variety of rare, endemic and endangered species, e.g. lynx, pearl mussel, owls, songbirds. The research aim was to analyse how the ecosystem landscapes located within the study area changed since 1991 until 2009 (18-year time span) using remote sensing data and GIS. The data include GIS layers in two forms: raster layers as Landsat TM images with 18-years interval (1991 and 2009), and vector thematic layers in ArcGIS shape-file format. The data were stored in a GIS project. Technically, the GIS project were generated in Quantum GIS (QGIS) software. Methodologically, the applied workflow used in this research included following steps: 1) Data capture, unpacking and storage. 2) Organizing GIS project. 3) Geo- referencing and re-projection. 4) Activating GDAL and GRASS remote sensing plugins. 5) Preliminary data processing. 6) Generating contour layers from DEM. 7) Colour composition from 3 Landsat TM bands. 8) Defining Region of Interest: raster mosaicing and clipping. 9) False colour composites (bands 4-3-2). 10) Setting up parameters for classification. 11) Image classification using K-Means algorithm. 12) Pattern recognition. 13) Spatial analysis. The detailed illustrations of these steps are shown in the proposed presentation. The GIS analysis is used to test the importance of the natural and human-induced land used changes for survival of the important floristic locations in several case studies. The outcomes are illustrated by two maps showing geographic distribution of land cover types within the study area in given time periods of 18-year time span. The results demonstrate visualization of the ecosystems in 1991 and 2009 showing dynamics of land cover types in the given time. The work demonstrated effective application of QGIS software combined with multi-source data (remote sensing and geoinformatics) for the purpose of environmental protection of precious areas of the Šumava National Park.

International audience; This paper analyses optimal methods for the estimation of the environmental hazards with a case study of landslides causing degradation of the mountainous forest ecosystems. The aim of this work is analysis of possible methods of estimating consequences caused by environmental hazards affecting forest ecosystems. Methodological advances have been made in regional applications of landslides risk studies , including specific research questions, such as vulnerability estimation, economic estimation of the losses, assessment of risk perception and social aspects of risk, cartographic aspects of risk mapping, as well as elaboration of the methodology of the overall risk assessment. The GIS-based mapping is undoubtedly indispensable tool for landslide risk studies, applicable both for spatial and temporal aspect of the hazard risk assessment. Many successful examples of landslide risk assessment and susceptibility analysis based on GIS mapping were done, as well as calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Various example of the thematic mapping of forest ecosystems are provided. For all that, the applications of the risk studies specifically for the mountainous forest landscapes mostly depend on hazard occurrence and data availability, accessibility, compatibility and integration. Usually, scientific reports focus on mountainous Alpine regions, which are well studied. The studies of risk assessment of natural hazards grew from the engineering branch of risk analysis and are being now rapidly developed since 1990s. The understanding of the concept "risk" varies at different authors, with the main difference in the degree of objectivity of risk concept: some authors define risk as independent and 'given' value, while others stress the influence of social factor on overall risk. According to the UNISDR, risk is a "probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injures, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environment damaged) resulting from interactions between natural or human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions". When applying this general concept to the natural context, risk is defined as a product of hazard and vulnerability of the elements disposed to risk. Risk assessment is mainly focusing on risk management of natural hazards, i.e. with a main stress on human-environmental cooperation and coexistence. Management of risk aims to lessen the risk levels, and includes estimation of risk and actions to minimize overall risk level. The evaluation includes identification of main stakeholders and elements at risk, monetary values of losses, strengths, weaknesses of the elements at risk, significant factors in the environment, outcomes expected, established risk criteria. Risk identification involves examining all sources of risk from the perspective of all stakeholders. There are different methods of qualitative and quantitative assessment of landslide risk, including risk analysis, which aims at the identification of hazard consequences and defining possible endangered regions. The level of risk is the combination of the likelihood of a risk occurring and the consequences if it does occur. In the risk estimation there are proposed levels of risk identified for landslide hazards: intolerable, tolerable and acceptable. The results of risk analysis and assessment can considerably lessen potential consequences of landslide hazards. The landslide hazard is expressed as a limited probability that a landslide occurs within a given period of time. There are proposed method of the recurrent intervals for the definition of the landslide hazard zones. Methods of predicting dynamic movements of the landslides and estimating their temporal probability are not well elaborated yet and are hardly available. The assessment of temporal probability of landslides is very difficult to perform. The risk of landslide processes is strongly determined by the wide variety of different factors, among which is the slope angle. Other factors, associated with landslides, are geological structure, material characteristics, water pressure, topography, river erosion, and weathering. These are also important triggers in landslide formation and movements. All objects that can be affected by the landslides are usually defined as elements at risk: it can be humans and valuable objects located in the endangered area. It is assumed that elements at risk include buildings, infrastructure, services, property, population and environment. The population at risk is defined as a number of people present in dangerous areas, whose losses are expressed as health injury and deaths. The risk for population is estimated as possible losses of lives. The sustainable functioning of unique and sensitive forest ecosystems is highly adjusted towards climatic-environmental settings. The proper risk assessment of possible hazards should be included into the monitoring program for better understanding of ecosystem functioning and avoiding deforestation. Current paper contributed towards risk assessment studies by systematization of the existing methodology recommended for the environmental hazard assessment.

Аннотация. В настоящей работе рассмотрены отдельные аспекты проведения семинарских занятиях по географии на примере изучения Арктики. Так, рассмотрены принципы работы по проектированию индивидуальных ГИС на основе сбора и анализа доступной пространственной информацией по морской экологии с указаниями по составлению тематической базы данных карт. Abstract. This paper discusses some methodological aspects of the seminar classes on geography with a case study of Arctic Ocean. Particularly, is concerns general principles of the individual student work: how one can better design a GIS, how one can find, collect and analyze available geodata on the marine ecology. The paper presents a data reference sketch for the classes of geography.

Research Project for Groningen Energy Summer School ’A multi-disciplinary approach to energy transition, from policy to physics’. The project focuses on the analysis of Central Asian hydro-energetic system and water usage in Tian Shan region. Tian Shan system is important water resource in Central Asia: mountains river waters are intensely taken for hydropower energy, urban systems, irrigation. But geopolitics in Tian Shan is difficult: it crosses five densely populated countries. Current problem consists in water delivery between territories located in the highlands with excellent water supply and those located in valleys with water shortage. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan control river basins, and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan depend on water supply. The problem of water use causes debates among these countries. Besides, climate warming affects glaciers and causes water deficit. Altogether, this leads to difficulties in hydro-energetics. A multidisciplinary analysis was performed in research: geopolitical problems of water supply in Tian Shan, spatial distribution of hydro-energetic resources and climate impact on hydro-energetics.

International audience; This paper analyses the results of the experimental testing of the ArcGIS spatial analysis module Spatial Analyst used for mapping chemical pollution of the water areas. The use of the Spatial Analyst is explaied by its functionality and flexibility of applications. Thus, it has a wide range of spatial modelling embedded tools as well as data analysis features. This enables to create, query, and analyse a set of raster data. The Spatial Analyst module includes such tools as surface interpolation, contour and field construction based on the concentration of pollutants at individual points, processes and analyses raster data and creates spatial distribution fields based on them. Current paper briefly reports the effectiveness of the Spatial Analyst ArcGIS application.

International audience; The study area is focused on the coastal city of Taipei. Since past decades, Taipei undergone serious urban changes as residential structure of the vacant land areas is developing and requires modifications. The development of urban landscapes in Taipei has unique feature; that is, the Taiwan’s exceptional economic and industrial growth since 1980s, which is often referred as «industrial wonder of Taiwan». The country quickly transformed from an agriculture- based traditional economy into a highly industrialized society. As a result, Taiwan has now a new face of high-technology oriented, economically restructured economy, which is a part of the global network of economies and capitals, playing important role both in the Asia–Pacific region and in the global production chains. Necessarily, this caused notable changes in the face of the country, modifying both its social and natural landscape patterns. Thus, Taiwan is nowadays a highly urbanized country with almost 80% of the total population of Taiwan living in urban areas. However, intensive urbanization necessarily create new conditions for human-nature co-existence, since rapidly growing city and high urbanization rate affect biodiversity and ecosystems sustainability in the coastal area. The process of urbanization includes transformation of landscapes: natural land cover types, typical for the area are being modified into artificial surfaces and the area of city enlarges. At the same time, Taiwan Island has unique natural landscapes with high environmental value, outstanding natural beauty, rare and extinct species. The landscape diversity is higher in the rural and less urbanized areas, while it increases in the urban areas due to the domination of the human-induced landscape types and reduced number of natural patches within the city. The environmental changes of the city were detected by geospatial analysis of the satellite images. The areas occupied by different landscape types were calculated and analyzed. It was detected that various districts were developing with different rate and intensity due to the complex factors of both human and ecological origin. The results showed urban development, decline of green areas, increase of urban spaces since 1990.

International audience; The emphasis of this research is application of spatial analysis using clustering algorithm, and remote sensing data (Landsat TM imagery) for agricultural mapping of land cover types. The study area covers Mecsek Hills region, located in south-western Hungary. This region is characterized by high land heterogeneity and complex landscape structure, caused by intense agricultural land use in the region with mixed vegetation type and high environmental value. The research data consists in Landsat TM scenes taken for years for years 1992, 1999 and 2006. The methodology is based on cluster classification algorithm available in ILWIS GIS. Based on clustering technique, the agricultural land cover classes were identified by association of pixels on the Landsat TM scenes to thematic clusters. Different land use types were classified, which include natural vegetation coverage, anthropogenic areas and agricultural fields, sub-divided to various crop types. Once classification was complete, agricultural thematic maps have been created. The final research output consists in three independent agricultural thematic maps of land cover types for years 1992, 1999 and 2006.

Цель исследования-пространственный и социально-экономический анализ изменений пейзажа в прибрежно-туристской зоне прибалтийского побережья Эстонии. Активный процесс субурбанизации обусловлен сложной социально-экономической трансформацией пространственных моделей застройки со времени распада СССР. Исследование террито-риально охватывает пригородную территорию курортного города Пярну. Социально-эко-номические изменения в стране вызывают процесс интенсивного строительства дач, что изменяет ландшафтный образ территорий. Методика основана на социально-экономическиом анализе субурбанизации на основе статистических и картографических данных: ГИС отображение, карты растительного покрова и данные Landsat. Полевые наблюдения проводились для выявления застроенных участков в окрестностях Пярну. Доказано интенсивное строительство жилых зданий, изменение системы землепользования и недвижимости в современной Эстонии, что радикально изменяет пейзажи. Результаты показывают разнородные виды ландшафта в районе исследования. The research aims at spatial and socio-economic analysis of landscape patterns in Baltic coastal area of Estonia. The process of active suburbanization, which is analyzed in the current work, is caused by complex socio-economical factors which arise from sociopolitical changes since the end of the USSR. Study area encompasses Baltic coastal region of Parnu County. The social-economic triggers causing intensive construction of summer cottages and landscape types were examined. The methodology is based on the socio-economic analysis of suburbanization based on statistical data and mapping of the landscapes. Mapping was performed using GIS, land cover maps and Landsat data. Fieldwork and in-situ observations were performed to detect built- up areas in Parnu surroundings and proved intensive construction residential buildings in Parnu, demonstrating ground changes in immobility system in modern Estonia, which affects landscapes. The results illustrate highly heterogeneous and diverse landscape types in the study area.

Research area: Taipei urban landscapes, Taiwan. Located on the north of the Taiwan Island, Taipei is the country's core urban political and economic center with population reaching over 2.6 M and continuing to expand within the city Research aim: spatio-temporal analysis of urban dynamics in study area during 15 years (1990-2005) Data capture: The data include Landsat TM images taken from the U.S.G.S. website. The software used is ENVI GIS. Research objective: application of geoinformatic tools, remote sensing data and application of methodology to spatial analysis for a case study of Taipei. Research problem: In the past decades, the process of urbanization has become more notable in the East Asia. Since past decades, Taipei city undergone serious urban changes.The development of urban landscapes in Taipei has unique feature; Taiwan's exceptional economic and industrial growth since 1980s, which is often referred as "industrial wonder of Taiwan". Recently, the country quickly transformed from an agriculture-based traditional economy into a highly industrialized society. As a result, Taiwan has now a new face of high-technology oriented, economically restructured economy. This caused changes in the face of the country, modifying both its social and natural landscape patterns. Taiwan is nowadays a highly urbanized country with almost 80% of the total population of Taiwan living in urban areas. Intensive urbanization necessarily create new conditions for human-nature co-existence, since rapidly growing city and high urbanization rate affect biodiversity and ecosystems sustainability. The process of urbanization includes transformation of natural landscapes: typical natural land cover type are being transformed into human-affected artificial surfaces and the city area enlarges. Anthropogenic pressure increased rapidly due to the expansion of Taipei metropolitan area. Rapid urbanization affects complex interrelations of natural and urban ecosystems, changes their structure, size and shape, which becames a serious environmental problem. At the same time, Taiwan has unique natural landscapes with high environmental value, outstanding natural beauty, rare and extinct species. In vies of this, environmental monitoring should be considered for effective city management and nature conservation on the island. Methods: Workflow includes following steps: Preliminary processing Creation color composites Classification using K-means algorithm Mapping using classification results Accuracy assessment. The preliminary data processing includes image contrast stretching, which is useful as by default, ENVI displays images with a 2% linear contrast stretch. For better contrast the histogram equalization contrast stretch was applied to the image in order to enhance the visual quality. Reults. Based on the image classification, three (3) areas within the city has been selected and distinguished: I, II, III. Comparing regions I, II and III, the conclusion is the following: Region I has changes in the land cover types since 1990s. It has much more changes comparing to the core, old city area (region II) Region II (the core city) is the most stable region. It has the least changes, because this area has been already industrialized for a long time. Region III, has undergone notable changes. This is caused by the intensive relocation of the population to the Taipei area after 1980s. This is regions is dynamically developing within the Taipei since 1990s.

International audience; The oceans' continental margins face strong and rapid change, forced by a combination of direct human activity, anthropogenic CO2-induced climate change, and natural variability. Stimulated by discussions in Goa, India at the IMBER IMBIZO III, we (1) provide an overview of the drivers of biogeochemical variation and change on margins, (2) compare temporal trends in hydrographic and biogeochemical data across different margins, (3) review ecosystem responses to these changes, (4) highlight the importance of margin time series for detecting and attributing change and (5) examine societal responses to changing margin biogeochemistry and ecosystems. We synthesize information over a wide range of margin settings in order to identify the commonalities and distinctions among continental margin ecosystems. Key drivers of biogeochemical variation include long-term climate cycles, CO2-induced warming, acidification, and deoxygenation, as well as sea level rise, eutrophication, hydrologic and water cycle alteration, changing land use, fishing, and species invasion. Ecosystem responses are complex and impact major margin services. These include primary production, fisheries production, nutrient cycling, shoreline protection, chemical buffering, and biodiversity. Despite regional differences, the societal consequences of these changes are unarguably large and mandate coherent actions to reduce, mitigate and adapt to multiple stressors on continental margins.

The region of Izmir is a particular coastal part of western Turkey: it has unique landscapes with variety of vegetation types, diverse relief and natural reserve areas. At the same time, Izmir Bay is one of the most contaminated estuaries in the Mediterranean Sea. Polluted by chemical from agricultural activities and other sources, the region gradually change its natural local landscape structure and biodiversity level. The paper gives a review of current emerging ecological problems of the study area., Аннотация. Район г.Измир является уникальным прибрежным регионом Турции с ландшафтами природоохранного значения. В то же время, измирский залив является одним из самых загрязненных лиманов в Средиземном море. Естественная структура ландшафта и биоразнообразие региона, загрязненного химикатами, поступающими со сточными водами от аграрной деятельности и других источников, постепенно меняется. Доклад посвящен текущим экологическим проблемам прибрежной зоны Измира.

International audience; Current paper discusses suggestions on mapping marine areas for regional ranking and modelling environmental parameters. To perform water areas ranking it is necessary to do spatial analysis based on a set of factual and cartographic data. Physical maps are used as a basis maps for geographical and thematic zoning of the water areas. Furthermore, they are used for the environmental assessment: e.g. dynamics of pollution of the water areas by chemical elements as well as thematic maps (meteorological, hydrochemical, lithological conditions). Joint analysis of environmental factors is performed using set of the existing maps. Ranking maps of the water areas derive symbols, legends, labels, (scale) settings, coordinate systems and data sources from the combined maps created on the previous steps. Created combined maps are added to the database. All layers of the new maps are copied to the current database and reference tables are supplemented with information on the names, structure, and location of the data. The GIS tools allow to create new vector and raster layers and maps by accessing already existing, and linking them to the spatial information to identify features and relationships between the natural objects.

Данная работа представляет проведение комплексного анализа факторов антропогенного воздействия, влияющие на состояние природной среды морских экосистем, включая анализ природных взаимосвязей элементов морских экосистем и динамики природных явлений, а также анализ факторов загрязнения акваторий и закономерности распределения загрязняющих веществ на примере Баренцева моря. На исследовательском этапе работы был выполнен сбор всей доступной информации для ее организации в базе экологических данных. Был рассмотрен и обобщен существующий опыт экологического мониторинга, классифицированы основные типы антропогенных воздействий на отдельные компоненты морской экосистемы. Данная работа представляет проведение комплексного анализа факторов антропогенного воздействия, влияющие на состояние природной среды морских экосистем, включая анализ природных взаимосвязей элементов морских экосистем и динамики природных явлений, а также анализ факторов загрязнения акваторий и закономерности распределения загрязняющих веществ на примере Баренцева моря. На исследовательском этапе работы был выполнен сбор всей доступной информации для ее организации в базе экологических данных. Был рассмотрен и обобщен существующий опыт экологического мониторинга, классифицированы основные типы антропогенных воздействий на отдельные компоненты морской экосистемы. Current work presents analysis of the human induced impact factors on the sustainability of the marine environment. It includes the analysis of the interconnections between the marine ecosystems and the dynamics of the natural phenomena as well as analysis of the factors of the contamination of the sea waters and spatial patterns of this distribution with a case study of the Barents Sea. All available information on the environment of the study area has been collected and organized in a database. The paper summarized current experience of the existing environmental monitoring, classified the main types of the anthropogenic impacts on the selected parts of the marine ecosystem.

Работа оценивает изменения в типах растительного покрова российского Севера в течение последних двух десятилетий. Результаты проведенной классификации спутниковых снимкой показывают экологические аспекты изменения лесотундровых экосистем. Технически, обработка данных была выполнена в ПО ГИС ILWIS, с использованием методов дешифрирования и контролируемой классификации. Результаты позволяют выявить изменения в типах и распределении растительного покрова. This paper focuses on the assessment of the changes in land cover types in Yamal peninsula over the past two decades, which shows local environmental aspects of the climate change in North. Technically, the data processing was performed in ILWIS GIS, using semi-automated methods of image interpretation and supervised classification. The results of the classification analysis enable to identify changes in land cover types and their distribution in Yamal.

International audience; The paper studies changes in land cover types in tundra landscapes during the past two decades. The study area is located in the Yamal Peninsula, north-central Russia. The main objective of this research is to analyse changes in vegetation distribution and land cover types over the area of Yamal Peninsula. Methodology of the work aims at technical application of the remote sensing and GIS tools for studies and includes georeferencing, creation of color composites, supervised classification. The research data includes Landsat scenes. The research method consists in Landsat image processing (Fig.1), georeferencing via the Google Earth and spatial analysis performed in ILIWIS GIS. The choice of Landsat scenes for land cover mapping is explained by their well-known advantages of application in geosciences and cartography. The final outcomes show changes in the vegetation coverage and land cover classes in Bovanenkovo region of the Yamal Peninsula, which happened during the past two decades. The results are received by comparing and analyzing of two classified maps covering the same geographic region with time span of 23 years: in 1988 and 2011. The changes mostly concern types of land covers and overall increase of shrubland and willows. It can be explained by the complex environmental changes in Arctic regions, which leads to ―greenness‖ processes, or unnatural increase of willows.

The research paper focuses on the environmental problem of Yamal region, geographically located in the Russian Yamal-Nenets autonomous region, northern-central Russia. This region is characterized by the unique nature and environmental conditions, combining two physical-geographical regions: sub-Arctic and Arctic moss-lichen tundra and permafrost conditions. The recent changes in global climate and overall warming highly contribute to the degradation of the tundra environment and increases cryogenic slope processes. This paper focuses on the investigation of the ecological aspects of the global climate change in Yamal peninsula, and analysis the development of slope processes on the local tundra environment. Key words: Arctic, wetlands, satellite images

Among all Arctic seas, the Barents Sea is characterized by its unique environment and high level of the biodiversity. At the same time the Gulf Stream waters transport large amounts of pollutants in the Barents Sea bringing various contaminants and substances from the North Sea. Nowadays, there are in Timan Pechora-Carboniferous basin located in the Barents Sea with 76 oil and gas subsidies, which store a quarter of all Russian oil. The ecological stress on the Barents environment is extremely high. As a result of contamination, the current state of the Arctic environment in the unique area of the Barents Sea may become threatening provided human impact remains at the same level. This article demonstrates the problem of nature resistance towards human impact. It shows negative human impact on the environment. Current geo-ecological situation in the Barents Sea as a unique hydrodynamic system is analyzed. The consideration is given both to the level of negative human impacts on the marine ecosystem as well as to the resistance of nature, i.e. the ability to deal with environmental stress, multiplied by their geographical location in the Arctic climate. Key Words: marine ecosystems, Barents Sea, marine environment, water pollution, ecological sustainability

International audience; The paper discusses and suggests recommendations for mapping, environmental assessment, ranking and prognosis of possible changes in the ecosystems of the Barents sea water area by levels of the anthropogenic pressure based on GIS. The methodological guidelines have been developed for the implementation of the Barents sea zoning, taking into account risk of the environmental crises associated with anthropogenic activities. The raw data suggests to include following information: physical and geographical features and characteristics of the water areas, distribution and chemical activity of the pollutants entering the water area, the extent of their effects. The data should be integrated into the GIS project.; В работе подготовлены рекомендации для составлении оценочной кар- ты экологического ранжирования акватории Баренцева моря по уровню антропогенной нагрузки и прогнозирования возможных изменений на ос- нове ГИС. Разработаны методические указания к проведению райониро- вания Баренцева моря с учетом риска возникновения кризисных экологиче- ских ситуаций, связанных с антропогенной деятельностью. Исходные материалы включают физико-географические особенности акватории, данные о распространении и химической активности загрязнителей, по- ступающих в пределы акватории, а также о масштабах их воздействия, которые интегрируются в среде GIS.

The study area is focused on the coastal city of Taipei. The environmental changes of the city were detected by geospatial analysis of the satellite images. The areas occupied by different landscape types were calculated and analysed. It was detected that various districts were developing with different rate and intensity due to the complex factors of both human and ecological origin. The results showed intensive urban development, decline of green areas, increase of urban spaces since 1990. Область исследования сосредоточена на прибрежном городе Тайбэй (Тайвань, Китай). Экологические изменения города были обнаружены с помощью геопространственного анализа спутниковых снимков. Площади, занимаемые различными типами ландшафта, были проанализированы. Было обнаружено, что разные части города развиваются с разной скоростью и интенсивностью из-за сложного сочетания антропогенных и природных факторов. Результаты показали процессы интенсивной урбанизации, деградацию зеленых ареалов, увеличение площадей застроенных территорий с 1990 года.

International audience; Environmental mapping is a necessary tool for the geoscience research in the university classes of geography, GIS cartography and mapping. However, GIS methods of processing remote sensing data are often being discussed, and the optimal approaches are disputed. This work reports innovative approach of the processing Landsat TM satellite image in ILWIS GIS software using unsupervised and supervised classification methods. The methods of ILWIS GIS are compared and the results described in this paper. The methodology is based on the use of supervised classification of the satellite image, an innovative method in geographic research. Supervised classification of the raster imagery aimes at the recognizing of the class membership for each pixel during image analysis. The supervised classification of the multi-spectral imagery has been performed using 'Classify' operator in ILWIS applied to Landsat TM 1988. The classification process included following steps. First, the models of the classes were defined by creating a "sample sat" in ILWIS GIS. Namely, the training pixels with similar spectral values were defined and selected as representations for various classes. These pixels have contrasting colors, visually visible and distinguishable on the image, which serve as training areas for diverse classes. The sample pixels were defined in the Sample Set Editor in ILWIS, which was initially created in the main menu. A created Sample Set has a reference to the set of Landsat bands (1-7), which are needed to create sample statistics. After assigning pixel sets, a raster polygon map was automatically created with .mpr file extension. It contained sample pixels, location and legend, i.e. the names of the classes allocated to pixels. Easy interpretation of the image strongly depends on the optimal color composite map. The classification has been completed in interactive way, using several attempts of creating training samples, selecting various sample sets and respective pixels selected in Sample Set Editor using domain for classification ―Landclasses. The classification was repeated the until the final results were achieved. Shadows of green colors represent grass, shrub vegetation coverage and forest canopy. The results demonstrate successful application of the innovative approach of technical satellite image processing for the studies of the environment. The presented methods can be used by students of geography.

International audience; The emphasis of this research is to demonstrate application of Landsat satellite imagery as a major resource for environmental research using ILWIS GIS. Landsat images are highly useful and strongly recommended for educational purposes as they are provided free of charge and timely regular geospatial data with 30-m resolution covering any places of the Earth. The case study describes mapping land cover types in ecosystems. It details how exactly satellite images can be used for geospatial research step by step. In the current research I used orthorectified Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), MSS and Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) data in Geographic Tagged Image-File Format (GeoTIFF) acquired over the area of Bovanenkovo region, Yamal. The images cover study area for different time periods. The choice of Landsat data application for land cover mapping is explained by its 30-m high spatial resolution, well-known advantages of application of the Landsat scenes in research and cartography, almost 40 year old history of the image record, successful distribution and open availability. Landsat scenes were selected for the pair analysis: Landsat TM scenes for 1988-08-07 and 2011-07-14 and Landsat ETM+, 2001. The research methodology is based spatial analysis tools of the open source GIS software: Quantum GIS and ILWIS GIS. The images were georeferenced, preprocessed and imported to ILWIS from .img into ILWIS .mpr raster map format (ASCII) using GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) in main ILWIS. Minimal Distance method was sued to classify images. After converting, each image contained collection of 7 Landsat raster bands, as well as theirs metadata stored in Map List (.mpl) file, information about georeference (.grf) and coordinate system in .csy file. To visualize spectral information from the Landsat image, a color composite map has been created using combination of three raster images of the individual bands. Supervised classification of the raster imagery includes image analysis aimed at recognizing class membership for each pixel. The respective pixels are selected in Sample Set Editor, ILWIS GIS. The research method used in current research is supervised classification, which enabled to assign land cover classes by adjusting classification parameters and thresholds in DN values of spectral signature of pixels. The principle of Minimum Distance method, used for pixels classification is based on the calculating of shortest straight-line distance in Euclidian coordinate system from each pixel’s DN to the pattern pixels of land cover classes.

the research paper focuses on the environmental problem of Yamal region, geographically located in the Russian Yamal-Nenets autonomous region, northern-central Russia. This region is characterized by the unique nature and environmental conditions, combining two physical-geographical regions: sub-Arctic and Arctic moss-lichen tundra and permafrost conditions. The recent changes in global climate and overall warming highly contribute to the degradation of the tundra environment and increases cryogenic slope processes. This paper focuses on the investigation of the ecological aspects of the global climate change in Yamal Peninsula, and analysis the development of slope processes on the local tundra environment. Аннотация: представленная работа рассматривает актуальные экологические проблемы на п-ове Ямал, на севере центральной части России, ЯНАО. Этот регион, уникален по своим природными и экологическими условиям. Физико-географически, территория представлена распространением покрова мохово-лишайниковых тундр в условиях вечной мерзлоты. Глобальные экологические изменения и климатические вариации, способствуют деградации окружающей среды тундры, в частности увеличивает активность криогенных склоновых процессов (криогенные оползни). Данная статья представляет обзор локальных экологических аспектов, вызванных процессами планетарного изме-нения климата на п-ве Ямал, в т.ч. анализ воздействия склоновых геоморфологических процессов на окружающую среду тундры. Так, участки растительно-почвенного покрова, где имели место криогенные оползни, испытывают медленное и затрудненное восстановление в условиях крайнего Севера, что связано со спецификой температурно-почвенного режима. В работе подчеркивается необходимость бережного и щадящего внешнего (в т.ч. антропогенного) воздействия на окружающую среду в условиях тундры, благодаря крайне специфическим экологическим условиям местной природы, имеющей природоохранную ценность планетарного масштаба.

International audience; The study area is Šumava National Park (ŠNP), the largest of the four national parks located in the south-west of the Czech Republic, established as a special regime of environmental protection. A unique mosaic of forest habitats of exceptional natural value of European-wide significance, the ŠNP represents the largest terrestrial significant part of the Natura 2000 network in Czech Republic and Germany with unique mosaic of forest biotopes, rare, endemic and endangered species. It forms one of the largest forested areas between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ural. Recently, the ŠNP experienced changes in the landscapes and ecological community dynamics due to both natural climate changes and human impacts. Some parts of ŠNP are deforested and used for agriculture in the last decades. Most of the fields and meadow areas have been abandoned. Many species are threatened by the land-use changes. During the last decades some ecosystems` components are being gradually changed, degrading, some endangered, rare, unique and important species are under extinction. As a result, the vegetation in the forest ecosystems is gradually changing and degrading. Human effects include fragmentation, and deforestation of original floodplain forests. Therefore, the questions of environmentally sustainable management is highly important and the future of nature conservation of ŠNP caused discussions and worries. Current paper contributes to the environmental mapping of this precious forest area. The research aim was to analyse how the forest landscapes has changed from 1991 up to 2009 (18- years) using remote sensing data and GIS. The data include GIS layers: raster Landsat TM images and vector thematic layers in ArcGIS format. Technically, the GIS project was made in Quantum GIS environment. Methodologically, spatial analysis was used to test the importance of the land cover changes in forest areas. The results include two maps showing the geographic distribution of land cover types within the 18-year period. The results visualized forest landscape dynamics in 1991 and 2009. They demonstrated effective application of QGIS software with multi-source geospatial data for environmental mapping of precious forest areas. The combination of remote sensing data and GIS tools for pattern recognition proved to be effective for geo-botanical forest research.

International audience; The study region is located in western Turkey, Izmir surroundings. The research examines spatiotemporal changes in landscapes of Izmir region, during the decade 1995-2005. Methods entail raster processing, spatial analysis and mapping by means of geospatial techniques and Erdas Imagine software. The Landsat TM images were geo-processed for detection of changes in the land cover types. It demonstrated effective use of the remote sensing data and spatial analysis for vegetation studies: a combination of digital satellite images, GIS cartographic tools and methods of spatial analysis of vegetation coverage are highly suitable and efficient for the monitoring of highly heterogeneous landscapes located in the area of intensive anthropogenic activities (western Turkey). The study contributes towards technical development of cartographic methods of the environmental monitoring.

International audience

The study area is Šumava National Park (ŠNP), the largest of the four national parks (68,064 hectares) located in the south-west of Czech Republic, on the border with Germany. Since 1990 it has been the protected Biospherical Reserve of UNESCO. Being a unique mosaic of natural and secondary habitats of exceptional natural value of European-wide significance, the components of the ŠNP represent is the largest terrestrial significant part of the Natura 2000 network in Czech Republic and Germany. For instance, the fauna species of ŠNP include protected important examples, such as e.g. lynx, otter and peregrine The research aim was to analyse how the ecosystem landscapes located within the study area changed since 1991 until 2009 (18-year time span) using remote sensing data and GIS. The data include GIS layers in two forms: raster layers as Landsat TM images with 18-years interval (1991 and 2009), and vector thematic layers in ArcGIS shape-file format. The data were stored in a GIS project. Technically, the GIS project were generated in Quantum GIS (QGIS) software. Methodologically, the applied workflow used in this research included following steps: 1) Data capture, unpacking and storage. 2) Organizing GIS project. 3) Geo- referencing and re-projection. 4) Activating GDAL and GRASS remote sensing plugins. 5) Preliminary data processing. 6) Generating contour layers from DEM. 7) Colour composition from 3 Landsat TM bands. 8) Defining Region of Interest: raster mosaicing and clipping. 9) False colour composites (bands 4-3-2). 10) Setting up parameters for classification. 11) Image classification using K-Means algorithm. 12) Pattern recognition. 13) Spatial analysis. The detailed illustrations of these steps are shown in the proposed presentation. The GIS analysis is used to test the importance of the natural and human-induced land used changes for survival of the important floristic locations in several case studies. Thus, landscape level predictors of commons (their location, size, borders) are evaluated using geospatial data: vector GIS layers and aerial images. The information received from these data includes digital model of the terrain (altitudes), vertical heterogeneity, slope, topographical related moisture index, heat load index and solar radiation index. The information on local geology and soil conditions (based on soil profiles), history of the colonization of the study area, and borders of land cadasters and private properties is taken from the auxiliary data. The land cover structure is calculated using Patch Analyst function embedded into the ArcGIS which is used to describe various aspects of landscape heterogeneity, habitat diversity and fragmentation. The outcomes are illustrated by two maps showing geographic distribution of land cover types within the study area in given time periods of 18-year time span. The results demonstrate visualization of the ecosystems in 1991 and 2009 showing dynamics of land cover types in the given time. The work demonstrated effective application of QGIS software combined with multi-source data (remote sensing and geoinformatics) for the purpose of environmental protection of precious areas of the Šumava National Park.

International audience; The paper reviews current environmental problems of Izmir, Turkey. A third large metropolis of Turkey, Izmir is an industrial city of high importance for the country. It is a key seaport harbor, strategic for the country and the Mediterranean region in general, highly important for the transportation network within the Aegean, Marmara and the Mediterranean Seas. Izmir is also known as an important country’s business and fair trade center, where cross-cultural meetings, Expo exhibitions, international conferences, symposia and workshops being periodically organized. Therefore, the region has intensive anthropogenic activities: well developed transport network, intensive shipping and maritime construction, industrial factories and plants, urban densely populated districts, intensive agricultural cultivation. Nowadays, the most important problem in the Mediterranean basin, and in Aegean Sea area as its part, consists in land degradation. Thus, changes in climate conditions together with human impacts cause degradation of the semi-natural vegetation, which in turn, leads to the intensification of soil degradation, and finally causes erosion hazardous processes. The most important trigger factor for soil degradation is accelerated water erosion. Intensified by the destruction of the vegetation land cover and types, it increases desertification in the Mediterranean basin. Both soil and vegetation degradation are deeply interrelated, because the degree of soil degradation reflects the state of the vegetation that covers it: bare soils are being destroyed more quickly and intensively than the ones covered by forests or shrubs. The main issues of environmental current situation within the terrestrial ecosystems concern deforestation of precious forests communities, desertification and soils erosion and land degradation in the surroundings. The ecological threats to marine ecosystems include chemical contamination of the Izmir bay by detecting traces of mercury that originate from Gediz River and inactive mining sites (again, in Karaburun Peninsula) and come to shelf waters of the Aegean Sea. Apart from “usual” anthropogenic activities typical for the industrial city and its surroundings, the region is being intensively visited by tourists, both international and Turkish ones. The touristic attractiveness of the Izmir region is explained by its natural environmental settings, favorable climate conditions, scenic landscapes and cultural richness. The development of the tourism covers both traditional coastal areas and geothermal hot water springs. Both rich natural resources and human treasures of Izmir (traces of old civilizations, historical, archaeological and ethnographical cultural heritage), traditionally and deservedly attract large number of tourists in western Turkey all year round. This definitely has positive influence on the local economics and tourism development. However, the non-controlled anthropogenic pressure also has potential negative consequences. The described above multifold factors impact the environment, lead to the irreversible consequences, and cause destruction or loss of the elements within the ecosystems.

International audience; Current study is focused on the GIS based spatial analysis of the land cover changes in the Šumava National Park, Czech Republic. The presentation includes overview of the environmental and biogeographical settings of the Šumava National Park and gives detailed technical description of the workflow (GIS part): remote sensing data capture, pre-processing, algorithm processing, image classification and spatial analysis. The research has been technically done using Quantum GIS (QGIS). Methodologically, current research highlighted technical questions of remote sensing data processing, mapping and classification by means of QGIS. Research steps included: 1. collecting, organizing and sorting data; 2. studying, reading and analyzing relevant literature; 3. develop a GIS project and methodology for spatio-temporal analysis of the land cover types and mapping change detection; 4. mapping data land cover types for 1991 and 2009. Spatial and temporal analysis of the Landsat TM scenes taken at 1991 and 2009 was used for detecting changes in the land cover types. Classification of the images was used to analyze changes in the ŠNP area that consist in different geobotanical land cover types. The results of image processing demonstrate that structure, shape and configuration of landscapes in ŠNP changed since 1991.

This paper focuses on monitoring of landscapes downgrading in specific conditions of Arctic ecosystems with cold climate conditions (marshes, permafrost, high humidity and moisture). The paper has a special focus on spatiotemporal assessment of land cover types changes in using GIS answering question “what exactly happens with land cover types over time ?” and “how the landscapes located in specific cold moisture conditions are affected by the landslides”. A specific case study of the current work is cryogenic landslides which are typical for cold environments with permafrost distribution. The research region is located in Yamal Peninsula, north Russia. This work analyses environmental consequences caused by the cryogenic landslides in northern landscapes and overall climate changes affecting sensitive Arctic ecosystems. The thaw of permafrost layer leads to the destruction of the ground soil layer and activates cryogenic landslide processes. After disaster, vegetation coverage needs a long time to recover, due to the sensitivity of the specific northern environment. As a result, land cover types change significantly within the landscapes of the regions affected by the disaster. The application of GIS software was used to analyze and process two satellite images (Landsat TM) taken at different time (1988 and 2011) in order to assess spatiotemporal changes in the land cover types of the Arctic landscapes. This work demonstrates how GIS spatial analysis can be applied to studies of the environmental disasters, as well as monitoring and mapping changes in the landscapes patterns caused by the external factors such as landslide hazards.

International audience; The goal of the study is to perform comparative analysis of image processing methods, enabled by means of IDRISI GIS software. The purpose has two aims. First, a spatial analysis of land cover types in the coastal landscapes of western Estonia, Pärnu area, at two various temporal dates. Second, an overview of the technical methods of IDRISI GIS enabling to evaluate image processing. The main research method consists in classification of satellite images for resulting geoecological mapping of landscapes. The ISOCLUST classification enabled to create multi-spatiotemporal thematic maps of Pärnu area. The research method is based on the spatiotemporal analysis of the geospatial data, performed by means of GIS tools and remote sensing data. The images were downloaded from the Earth Science Data Interface, Global Land Cover Facility. The Landsat TM imagery include scenes of June 2006 and June 1992. Both images cover summer months, thus enabling vegetation coverage to be easily recognized.; 74 кулонометрия) и другие методы. Большое количество часов лабораторных ра-бот (70% от общего количества часов отведенных на изучение дисциплины), позволяют студентам на практике самостоятельно изучить основные современ-ные аналитические методы. Значительное внимание уделяется радиохимиче-скому анализу природных объектов, что связано с загрязнением окружающей среды естественными и искусственными радионуклидами. Поэтому в данном курсе предусмотрены работы по изучению методов дозиметрического контро-ля. Лабораторный практикум курса «Аналитические методы в геоэкологии» представлен следующими расчетно-аналитическими занятиями:-взвешивание на весах различных типов;-методы фильтрования растворов;-титриметрический метод определения общей щелочности и карбонатной жесткости воды;-спектрофотометрический метод определения концентрации вещества;-фотометрический метод определения нитритов с использованием реак-тива Грисса;-измерение рН раствора потенциометрическим методом;-оценка радиационной обстановки в помещениях и на открытом воздухе дозиметрическими методами. В рамках освоения каждого расчетно-аналитического занятия студенты свободно ориентируются в современных методах физико-химического анализа, могут выбирать аппаратуру в соответствии с типом образца, областью примене-ния, требуемой чувствительностью и точностью, использовать методы количе-ственного определения концентрации различных веществ и применять полу-ченные знания на практике для решения различных прикладных геоэкологиче-ских проблем. The goal of the study is to perform comparative analysis of image processing methods, enabled by means of IDRISI GIS software. The purpose has two aims. First, a spatial analysis of land cover types in the coastal landscapes of western Estonia, Pärnu area, at two various temporal dates. Second, an overview of the technical methods of IDRISI GIS enabling to evaluate image processing. The main research method consists in classification of satellite images for resulting geoecological mapping of landscapes. The ISOCLUST classification enabled to create multi-spatiotemporal thematic maps of Pärnu area (fig. 1). The research method is based on the spatiotem-poral analysis of the geospatial data, performed by means of GIS tools and remote

Introduction. The study area encompasses selected regions of the Brussels municipality, Belgium. In the past years the city of Brussels is experiencing intensification of the density of building structures. Unlike in some other European cities, where the most evident problem is urbanization and expansion of the city margins to the suburbia, the urban structure Brussels is the intensification of the buildings density in the city centre and the existing dwelling districts. Thus, the city structure tends to become more intense and dense, due to the process of filling the empty spaces in the urban patterns and high level housing. Another example of urban processes in Brussels is reorganisation of the industrial areas. At the same time, monitoring vegetation areas is essential for environmental sustainability of the capital city. The lack of the green spaces may cause ecological instability and increase atmospheric pollution. For studies of the specific problems of the Brussels city the remote sensing data (raster image) was used together with NDVI function, in order to detect areas covered by city parks. Methods and ResultsStep I. The panchromatic image was loaded into project and processed.Step II. The image was segmented using the principle of Multiresolution Segmentation. This operation consists in the splitting of an image into segments in order to simplify complexity of the whole initial image. It is performed by the machine embedded logic based on mathematic algorithms and simplifying models. The general rule divides the area into regions according to the principle “neighbour pixels have similar parameters” (spectral reflectance value, texture, form, shape).Step III. All vegetation coverage has been detected and separated from other objects (impervious structures) using natural characteristics of the vegetation spectral reflectance. For this, first the arithmetic expression for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was created in eCognition operators using formula for spectral reflectance in visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) bands. This enables to detect pixels of vegetation: NDVI=(NIR-VIS)/(NIR+VIS). After this operation was created, it was added to the conditions of objects processing.Step IV. After this, the operation of extraction of vegetation was performed. The logical condition for vegetation detection is that we assign all objects which have values of NDVI more than 0.3 to vegetation. This is based on the properties of vegetation: dense tree canopy usually have positive values of NDVI (0.3 to 0.8). On the contrary, other objects, which do not belong to vegetation, have low NDVI values. For example, water bodies have low reflectance in both spectral bands (band 3 and band 4). Therefore, they have very low positive and sometimes slightly negative NDVI values (depending on local hydro-chemical conditions, depth, etc). Bare soils usually also have small positive NDVI values (0.1 to 0.2), since their spectral reflectance in near-infrared bands is larger than in red ones. So, using this knowledge, the NDVI formula was applied, and green areas within the city of Brussels were distinguished. The objects with NDVI values more than 0.3 were assigned to the “vegetation” class.Conclusions. The urban landscapes have complex environmental and socio-economic function and serve as habitat and agricultural surface in the surroundings. Land cover studies supported by satellite image contribute to the development of urban management system. Using object-oriented approach together with GIS techniques applied to remote sensing data enables to perform geospatial analysis with focus on urban landscapes.

International audience; The research aim is application of GIS and spatial analysis of satellite images for agricultural mapping. The study area is located in Mecsek Hills, Hungary. These landscapes represent unique part of Hungarian environment in the Carpathian Basin. Diverse landscape structure with complex biogeographic composition characterizes this region. However, this region is intensely used in agriculture, which causes high land heterogeneity.The research method consists in using ILWIS GIS and Landsat TM satellite imagery (1992, 1999 and 2006). The methodology includes clustering, spatial analysis, interpretation and classification. Clustering algorithm is based on the analysis of the similarity of the spectral signatures of pixels, and grouping pixels into thematic categories of classes of the land cover types in study area.This paper contributes to the development of the agricultural monitoring in region of central Europe. The distribution of the landscapes in the Mecsek Hills area was analyzed. Land cover types were interpreted by association of pixels on the image to different thematic classes: vegetation, categories of agricultural land and other areas (in total, 12 classes). The results consists in thematic land cover maps of the study area in 1992, 1999, 2006 showing landscape dynamics.

International audience; This poster presents an ArcGIS based spatial analysis of the Victoria Lake region including environmental, biological, social and economic characteristics of the region. The methodology includes data organizing and management in ArcGIS 9.3. Operations and technique: ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. Project architecture: ArcCatalog. Spatial referencing and re-projection: ArcToolbox. Data include DEMs: elevations (USGS). 2 tiles of the USGS DEM, Land cover data (raster), Population data: UNEP, ArcGIS vector.shp files of administrative boundaries fof Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya. Data preprocessing include following data preparation. Initial vector data: UNEP .shp. Spatial reference properties: Africa Albers Equal Area Conic projection, standard parallels 20 and -23, central meridian 25 and Datum WGS-84, Projection GEOGRAPHIC, Spheroid CLARKE1866. Data conversion from ASCII text data format to raster using ArcToolbox / Conversion Tools / ASCII to Raster (Climate precipitation data). Data were projected, processed and several layer formatting and overlays were created. Mapping was created using ArcMap. Victoria Lake has unique environment, important role in the economy of countries supporting 25 M people through fish catchment reaching up to 90-270$ per capita per annum. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda control 6%, 49% and 45% of the lake surface. Lake catchment provides livelihood of 1/3 of the population of 3 countries with agricultural economy supported by fishing and agriculture (tea and coffee plantations). Quality of the environment is a fundamental factor in maintaining and increasing living standards of the population. Main problem is sustainable development, well-balanced between using natural resources and human economic progress. Essential factors in this problem are population and natural resources management. Following research tasks are performed: Computing how much cropland is needed by 2030. Areas of cropland were estimated using statistics of the raster layer Land cover. Amount of crop per capita was computed by dividing total cropland in each country and total population. Estimation of cropland needed in 2030: multiplying crop per capita needed for the total population by 2030. How much forest can be converted to cropland from protected areas ? Clipped vector layer of the protected areas was converted to raster using Spatial Analyst / Vector to Raster. New raster was re-classified to one class. Land cover raster layer was multiplied to the Protected areas layer. After calculation, raster of Land Cover for the territory of protected area zones was received. Areas for each country were calculated. Outside and inside located areas were estimated by subtraction those areas from the total for each country: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Results: computed areas of cropland needed in 2030: Kenya – 248,778 km2. Tanzania – 991,469km2; Uganda - 153,992 km2. Percentage converted to cropland in 2030 (from the total forest area): Kenya – 370%; Tanzania – 148%; Uganda - 618%. Amount of forests can be converted to cropland from the protected zones: Inside protected areas: Kenya: 9km2; Tanzania –1025 km2; Uganda - 15km2; Outside protected areas: Kenya – 795km2; Tanzania – 6484km2; Uganda - 242km2. Conclusion. Sustainable development: prerequisite for successful environmental monitoring in the Victoria Lake. Economic development model: 1) resource-saving technologies; 2) planting and protecting forests areas; 3) environmental policy and conservation.

Nova Science publishers; International audience; Current research details methodological framework for the land planning of the recreational activities based on ecologic approach. Human impacts on landscapes caused by touristic activities should be in accordance with sustainability level, i.e. without changing natural landscape elements, their function and processes, as well as environmental quality. Region of Štiavnické Bane in Slovakia represents a case study area that is completely under nature and landscape conservation. The methodological framework for the planning of recreational activities is based on the methodology of ecologic carrying capacity which is implemented by the Landscape ecological planning. The main result from this work is suitable tourism activities determined by the ecological approach. Methodological steps include spatial analysis, interpretation, evaluations and propositions which were suggested for recreational activities. The most suitable activities for winter periods are downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and winter tourism. For the summer period the best activities are the following ones: hiking, water sports and recreational activities linked to watering and sport fishing.The most suitable activities for the year-round period are service facilities and therapeutic recreational facilities. This sum of the activities represents the level of the land using that has not any negative environmental impact.