Modeling improvement of the administrative-territorial device for sustainable development of the territory (the case of Zaporizhzhia region)

The aim of the article is substantiation of directions, models, mechanisms and priorities of reforming the administrative-territorial structure of the country at a subregional level on the basis of decentralization. Main material. The article substantiates the economic and geographical process of reforming the administrative-territorial system at the sub-regional level, using the example of Zaporizhzhia region. Cluster analysis was used to determine the level, capabilities, and perspectives of creating United Territorial Communities (UTCs) clusters. The following were chosen as the clustering criteria: income per person; own income for one person; infrastructure subsidy for one person. According to the results of the analysis and their mapping, the clustering of UTCs of Zaporizhzhia region was carried out taking into account the expediency of joining the clusters of village and town councils. Clustering of UTCs in Zaporizhzhia region was carried out according to financial capacity, using statistical indicators. The expediency of reforming the administrative-territorial system at the sub-regional level on the cluster principle around cluster cores that are financially viable and self-sufficient UTCs has been proved. Conclusions and further research. The economic and geographical substantiation of the reform of the administrative-territorial system at the sub-regional level in the example of Zaporizhzhia region is conducted in the work. The cluster approach to determine the boundaries of new zoning in the Zaporozhie region, has been proposed. The cluster analysis was carried out according to the main socio-economic indicators of the UTCs of Zaporizhzhia region. They were own income per person, infrastructure subsidy per person and basic / reverse subsidy per person. According to the results of the analysis, the possibilities of creating clusters of UTCs with simultaneous annexation of territories in which the UTCs were not created (within the village councils) were identified and mapping of the obtained results of cluster analysis is given. Clustering of UTCs of Zaporizhzhia region was carried out according to the financial capacity using statistical indicators (relative frequency and frequency with further determination of the confidence interval for medium). On the basis of econometric and cartographic modeling it has been proved that it is expedient to carry out the cluster principle improvement on the reform of the administrative-territorial system at the sub-regional level. According to the results of clustering, on the example of Zaporizhzhia region, the centers of gravity of clusters (kernels of clusters) are identified, which are financially viable and self-sufficient UTCs. Therefore, it is proposed to form basic territorial administrative units around such nuclei as a basis for sustainable development of territories at the sub-regional level. According to the study of a specific administrative region of Ukraine, the formation of self-sufficient UTCs should be implemented taking into account the centers of gravity, which will be useful when discussing decisions on administrative delimitation of territories in order to achieve their sustainable development.

Creation of geographical knowledge at profile school

The purpose of this article is to show the peculiarities of geographical knowledge creation in a profile school with further formation of pupils’ competences of educational activities. Main material. Modern information society places high demands on the person, who needs to be ready for constant change, development, competition in all spheres of activity, determined by the interaction of the person and the social environment in rapidly changing conditions. Profile training is aimed at educating high school students at general education schools, taking into account their individual capabilities, their socialization in accordance with the requirements of the labour market, and presents a system of profiles with organizations from primary to higher vocational training. Gradual formation of the profile school allows us to create conditions for differentiation of the educational content, individual educational programs. It carries out in-depth study of subjects, creating equal educational conditions for different categories of pupils, their further socialization and restoring connection between general and professional education. Geographical knowledge encompasses biological, geological, meteorological, economic, social, political sciences and is of integrating importance. Geography can, therefore, act in different profiles as both basic and optional discipline. Specialized training in geography represents the study of cycles of subjects that complement each other in content, types of activities, are studied both at the general educational level and at the in-depth, optional level. Conclusions. Analysis of the world experience in the organization of geographical education indicates different approaches in its implementation. Acquisition of geographical knowledge in the case of Australia takes place through the study of natural components and global transformations. A geography course in the USA introduces school pupils to the world through the interpretation of knowledge about natural, economical features of different regions of the world. Geographical education in England is a basic subject of learning that allows pupils to gain information about nature, society, resources to form competences of geographical knowledge, approaches, concepts and analysis skills. In Ukraine, geographical education is part of a system of basic subjects that form a holistic picture of the surrounding world through generalizations and systematization of knowledge, formation of geographical thinking, ability to use different methods of information analysis. It is emphasized that the main task of profile education is formation of specialized preparation (profile training) in the upper grades of general education, which is guided by individual training and socialization of pupils.

Pupils' attitude to school geography and motivational factors of its study

The purpose of the article is to diagnose the attitude of pupils to geography classes at general educational institutions and identify the main motivating factors of its learning, depending on the pupils’ age and place of residence. Main material. The diagnosis of motives for studying geography was preceded by a clarification of the attitude of pupils to this subject. Pupils were asked to name their favourite school subjects and the results of the survey were used to calculate the rating of disciplines. For sixth-graders in rural and urban schools, geography ranked first, for seventh– and eighth-graders, and for rural ninth- and tenth-graders, it ranked second. For city ninth- and tenth-graders, geography took third place in the ranking of school subjects. The article presents the rating of school geography among other subjects on the basis of a questionnaire survey conducted in 2018/2019 academic year among 1163 respondents, who are the pupils of 6-11 grades at general educational institutions in Lviv region. The research analyzes positive and negative motivational factors of learning geography, depending on age and place of pupils’ residence. The results are interpreted in the context of the popular theory of self-determination developed by E. Deci and R. Ryan. Conclusions and further research. The research, conducted among the pupils studying geography at school, in a particular region of Ukraine, showed the highest rating of this subject among other school disciplines and the positive attitude towards it (more than 75% of the pupils who participated in the study). The degree of interest in geography is affected by the age of the pupils and the type of area in which the pupils live: the highest rank of favourable attitude to the subject was shown by rural pupils and pupils who are studying natural courses of the discipline (grades 6–7). The leading factors of a positive attitude to geography depend on the content of this subject and modern forms of studying it, which ultimately contributes to the formation of internal motivation for cognition. The results of an empirical study can be used to develop psychological, pedagogical and methodological models for teaching geography in different classes of general educational institutions.

Theoretical, applied and didactic aspects of research on the problem of sustainable development of regions and countries

The purpose of the article is to consider the theoretical foundations, applied aspects, concepts and goals of sustainable development, as well as the study of factors and threats to the sustainable development of Pridnestrovie. Main material. The authors conducted a brief analysis of the main stages of introducing the conceptual apparatus used to assess the degree of world stability as a whole, regions and countries. Various approaches to defining the essence of sustainable development are considered. The author gives an extended interpretation of the "sustainable development" concept, which assumes that it is determined not only by environmental and economic aspects, but also has political, military, informational and other components. Groups and particular examples of indicators that characterize the degree of sustainable development are given. A list of factors that directly or indirectly affect the sustainability of countries and regions has been compiled and analyzed. Hierarchical levels of research on sustainable development issues are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on the study of the features of ensuring sustainable development of regions. Didactic aspects of studying the problems and mechanisms of ensuring sustainable development in educational institutions of different hierarchical levels are also considered. The applied aspects reflected in the article include assessment and analysis of a number of indicators reflecting development sustainability of the Transnistrian region of post-Soviet Moldova. Retrospective, modern and long-term threats to the sustainable development of the Transnistrian region are identified. Conclusions and further research. Some tools (measures) to ensure long-term sustainable development in the context of globalization and high turbulence of the international environment are proposed. Tools aimed at increasing the sustainability of the territorial units’ development of Pridnestrovie, the following are proposed: - diversification and growth of industrialization of economic systems; - preferential support for the development of high-tech material and energy-saving industries; - differentiation minimization of financial and property stratification of the population; - implementation of environmental standards and environmental management (ISO 14000) in industrial enterprises.

Management of sustainable territorial development applying regional clusters model of M. Enright

The purpose of the article is socio-geographical and economic justification of trends, models, mechanisms and priorities for improving managerial system of natural economic systems and territorial economic complexes in the context of decentralization based on adaptation of the clusters model of M. Enright. Main material. Mechanism for managing united territorial communities` natural and economic systems development to ensure sustainable geospatial development of territories based on the example of Kherson region has been applied in the article. It has been proven that the effectiveness of reforms’ progress can be ensured by further consolidation of united territorial communities (UTC) and their clustering. Moreover, the clusters can go outside current administrative districts` boundary, which since 2017 has been fully regulated by the law. To prove the mechanism of UTCs consolidation, it has been proposed to use the model of regional clusters of M. Enright, which was adapted for united territorial communities. To determine the prospects for further UTCs consolidation in Kherson region, followed by the definition of economically proved new zoning, the cluster analysis has been applied. The following criteria for clustering have been chosen: income per capita; own income per capita; infrastructure subsidy per capita. Conclusions. Socio-geographical and economic reasons for the reforming tools of the administrative-territorial system based on the example of Kherson region have revealed and substantiated the relevance of cluster approach in the process of UTCs and their associations` formation. UTCs associations aim to stimulate their development, rationally use available and potential resources, to ensure joint investment activities and project-management. It has been proposed to implement UTCs consolidation on the basis of cluster approach. Clustering, as the example of Kherson region, has been carried out based on the key socio-economic indicators per capita, namely: own incomes, infrastructure subsidy and basic / reverse subsidy. This allowed us to identify and map clusters of the formed UTCs and identify prospects for area without UTCs incorporation (within relevant village councils). UTCs consolidation was based on the characteristics of capacity, self-sufficiency, sustainable development, territorial and functional balance of community interests. This will allow to develop methodological and procedural recommendations for strategic documents at UTC level. Their relevance will be increased in the context of climate change and tackling national economic crisis.

Using satellite images in teaching geography at school

Satellite images occupy a signifi cant place in the Earth Sciences. This fully applies to geography. Images of the Earth from space are used in various activities: to assess crops, to establish the boundaries of a phenomenon, to determine the degree of contamination of land or ocean surfaces, to search for minerals, and so on. But in school geography, satellite images are used very rarely - for example, to prove the sphericity of the Earth or to show the view of each continent from space. The purpose of this article is to highlight the methods of using satellite images in geography lessons at school and to create tasks based on these means of training. Main material. The history of using satellite images in school geography has been considered in the article. Advantages and disadvantages of satellite images as training tools are also noted. The role of satellite images in the formation of geographical representations is highlighted by the authors. These images realistically depict many natural phenomena (atmospheric fronts, cyclones, dust storms, etc.). Therefore, as a means of visualization, they contribute to the formation of memory representations in schoolchildren. Examples of a number of satellite images show how they can be used in teaching geography. The article off ers a methodical way of the use of satellite images at diff erent stages of learning. These images can be used to explain the training material, repeat it, control knowledge, and so on. Satellite images can be used to solve cartographic tasks. As practice has shown, we can perform creative tasks based on images. Conclusions. Satellite images play an important role in the system of teaching geography. The use of satellite images allows us to improve the pupils’ interest in the subject. Satellite images form geographical memory representations create a visual image of the natural appearance of the Earth. The study of educational opportunities of the Earth’s images from space has revealed three groups of requirements: pedagogical, technical and specific, determined by the content of school geography. The teacher should select satellite images based on the content of educational tasks of school geography.

Practical works as a component of the geography course (on the example of grade 11th - standard level)

The purpose of the article is to determine the main problems in implementation and methodological support of the practical component in geography lessons in 11th grade for further substantiation of the authors’ system of didactic support of practical works in 11th grade in geography (standard level). Main material. The article presents the analysis of methodological support for the implementation of practical works, theoretical aspects of their implementation, identified problems, violating principles of scientificity and consistency in studying specific topics of the cross-cutting course of geography in grades 6-11th. The analysis of the topics of practical works introduced in different grades has showed problems in the sequence and deepening of knowledge, especially in such topics of 11th grade as "Topography", "Atmosphere and Earth System", "Economy of Ukraine in the international division of labor". The methodological support for practical works is diverse and offered by all leading publishers of educational literature, but the structure and approaches to the formulation of content are radically different. Almost no attention is paid to modern methods of mastering geographical information. Based on the analysis of theoretical and practical aspects of works in 11th grade (standard level), the authors’ structure and content of such workshops have been proposed, the main differences are the variability of time and individualization of students' work. Conclusions and further research. The implementation of practical works creates favorable conditions for the development of students’ mental abilities and the creative approach to the teachers’ work. The current program in geography is mostly inconsistent with the principles of modern education, including scientificity, formation of the scientific picture of the world. However, methodological support for practical works does not allow us to implement the principles of individualization of educational process, time saving and prevention of students’ overload. The offered methodical developments for practical works in 11th grade allow us to implement the specified principles qualitatively. Further research should be aimed at scientific substantiation of methodological requirements for practical works and reduction of the cross-cutting system in them introduced in secondary education, to the logical structure on the principles of increasing scientificity, thoroughness, complexity, diversity, consistency.

Methodological features of mapping of the nature reserve fund of Ukraine by means of interactive maps (on the example of Poltava region)

The purpose of this article is to consider the methodological features of the nature reserve fund of Ukraine (NRFU) mapping as instruments of thematic interactive map creation of the specified objects in Poltava region. It is defined as a modern mapping service. That is the result of work and an innovative and effective application tool, in particular for environmental monitoring and land management of the region. Main material. Based on modern scientific methods, types of objects of the nature reserve fund on the map are applied. The possibility to obtain additional meta-information about them through pop-up dialogues and hyperlinks are substantiated. It is proved this holistic cartographic work and at the same time dynamic information-cartographic system must match modern practice requirements. Different groups of users in the framework of environmental monitoring, regional land management etc. must be informed to perform a number of important strategic and tactical tasks. The authors formulate approaches to determining the overall effectiveness of the developed thematic interactive map through the purpose, the results of the intended use and the creation cost, maintenance at the current level. The authors applied the methodological principles of geoinformation mapping for this (heredity, system compliance, continuity, consistency, representativeness, scale, cost-effectiveness), assessing the effectiveness of the system approach, obtaining not only a general indicator but also partial estimates, flexibility of methods to change conditions use map. The algorithm of regional geoinformation mapping of the nature reserve fund of Ukraine has been developed. This is generally characterized by consistent implementation of tasks at three levels: theoretical, informational-logical and practical. The list of information mapping layers of the interactive map, which make up its contents are obtained. This is based on using various types of data from the created object-relation database, which contains 376 NRFU objects in Poltava region (98.2% filling). Conclusions. As a result of the research on the creation of a thematic interactive map of NREU in Poltava region, using effective methodological tools, the provisions of modern regional geoinformation mapping in the form of an established algorithm are formulated.

Geographical prerequisites of organization of bike rest as a variety of active leisure in Kharkiv

The purpose of this article is to highlight the opportunities and prospects for development of cycling in Kharkiv based on the analysis of the geographical prerequisites for its development: natural and social resources and projects of bicycle reform. Main material. The article describes theoretical aspects of cycling development as a form of free time activities, including approaches to the interpretation of the concepts of «leisure», «free time», «recreation»; the essence and features of cycling as physical recreation and active leisure, conditions for the development of cycling. The geographic prerequisites for cycling organization in Kharkiv are characterized by a favorable physical-geographical component. Thus, the landscape of the city facilitates the organization of cycling even for unprepared participants due to small differences in altitude. Climatic characteristics make it possible to organize cycling in Kharkiv almost all year round, with the exception of a short off-season. The total area of green plantations in Kharkiv is more than 11,000 hectares, of which the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, Lisopark, and the Sarzhyn Yar recreational zone are more suitable for cycling. At the same time, an analysis of the socio-economic prerequisites for the development of cycling in Kharkiv indicates a number of factors impeding its development in the city, in particular, poor quality of roads, absence of bike lanes, cycle lanes, special markings for cyclists on public roads. The current state of cycling tourism development in Kharkiv is characterized by presence of only two bike paths equipped in accordance with all European standards. There are several projects for the development of cycling infrastructure in the city now: the project of the bicycle network in the central part of Kharkiv «Re-cycle Kharkiv»; the project of the cycle path «Another Way»; project «Green network of Kharkiv». Along with this, the information support for the development of cycling in Kharkiv is insufficient. Conclusions and further research. The urban environment of Kharkiv is favorable for the development of cycling for many reasons. The most favorable season is the period from March to November, along slightly rugged terrain (almost the entire territory of the city, with the exception of certain areas), better through forests (Lisopark, Grigorovskyi bir) or along rivers. Cycle paths according to European standards are laid only in the Lisopark’s area and Sarzhyn Yar, which is insufficient. The problematic issues hindering the development of cycling tourism in Kharkiv include: insufficient network of bike paths, concentration of the existing network in the Shevchenko district, while in other Kharkiv districts these opportunities are significantly limited, poor development of the bicycle infrastructure system, lack of comprehensive information support. The prospective direction is the development of the Kharkiv Green Network project, which provides laying bike paths not along highways, but at a certain distance from them with the involvement of green zones, abandoned territories, provided they will be well-equipped. In this case, the opportunities and prospects for the development of cycling will be determined, meeting the main theoretical basics of physical recreation and leisure. To improve the information support of cycling tourism, it is recommended to create a specialized bike site with the following sections: accessibility; specifications; safety; cycling infrastructure; memos - with multimedia content for each, including cartographic materials.

Spatio-temporal distribution of ice deposits of DHP (dangerous) and SHP (spontaneous) categories on the territory of Ukraine and losses from them during 2011-2019

As part of the research topic “Forecasting the variability of climate-vulnerable areas in Ukraine in the coming decades” (state registration number 0118U000554) a study of spatio-temporal distribution of ice category (dangerous) and SHP (spontaneous) was conducted in Ukraine at the present stage of climate change. The purpose of this article is to study the distribution of ice deposits of large diameters, namely dangerous (DHP) and spontaneous (SHP) in Ukraine during the current stage of climate change. It was also necessary to summarize the information on the identifi ed losses and their nature from ice deposits of the spontaneous (SHP) category, registered in some regions of Ukraine during this time. Main material. Dangerous ice deposits of the category are quite common in Ukraine and are observed almost every year. They are most common in the winter months (December-February) and in late autumn in November, when they are found in at least half of the regions. During 2011-2019, they were territorially observed in most oblasts, especially in the western, central and eastern regions. In the south, such deposits were mostly observed in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson oblasts and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In April, such deposits were observed only in the Carpathian region of Transcarpathia in Playa. During October 2011-2019, dangerous ice deposits were found only in the Carpathian region (Zakarpatska and Ivano-Frankivsk regions), in some places in the center (Kirovohrad and Dnipropetrovsk regions) and in the south (Odessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson regions). Spontaneous ice deposition is observed in the territory not every month and year, but more o???? en in the cold period. The areas where they occur most o???? en are highlighted, namely in Transcarpathia at the Play weather station. However, there are places where such deposits also occurred quite often in the study period - in Lviv region (Kamyanka-Buzka, Rava-Ruska), Zhytomyr region (Olevsk, Zhytomyr), Mykolayiv region (Mykolayiv, Ochakiv), Donetsk region (Amvrosiyivka, Mariupol), Zaporizhzhia region (Zaporizhzhia, Huliaipole), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Chornomorske, Opasne, Simferopol). Damage from ice deposits of the SHP category was observed in 4 years out of 9 studied at the facilities of the industrial complex, transport and utilities. The largest number of losses was recorded in 2014. Conclusions. It was found that the most common dangerous ice deposits during 2011-2019 were in January, February, December, where they were observed in 10 to 14 regions, and especially in March in 21 region. They were most common in the western, central and eastern regions, and in the south in Odessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Ice deposits of a spontaneous nature were mostly observed in the Zakarpatia region in Playa, as well as at some meteorological stations in Lviv, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.