Contemporary research directions in socio-economic geography and spatial management 1600-SZD-N-WKBG-GSE

A. Political geography - history of the sub-discipline and selected research directions
The dual nature of politics and its practical consequences; an outline of the history of political geography (with particular emphasis on Poland) and main research directions in Polish political geography, including the main disputes and their consequences for the sub-discipline as well as Polish foreign policy and geopolitics; differences and similarities between the Polish, German and Anglo-Saxon schools in political geography; research into the structure of the international community and the terminology used to describe it; the importance of toponymics in geographical and historical research.
B. Specificities of research in developing countries
Why is qualitative research so important and what difficulties do European researchers encounter when they want to carry out projects in countries of the global South? Examples of own research in Latin American countries.
C. Sustainable tourism
1) The origins of the concept of sustainable tourism. Philosophical, historical, socio-economic and geographical genesis of it. 2) Evolution of the concept of sustainable tourism from 1980s. 3) The scope of sustainable tourism in present times. 4) How the term of sustainable tourism has abused in the research, mass media, politics, etc. 5) Discussion about "good practices" and "bad practices" in sustainable tourism.
D. Evolution of social geography approaches and methods
The course aims to trace the evolution of approaches and methods in geographic social studies. In the first part changes in research, efforts will be traced, as well as differences in the topics discussed in Poland, Western Europe, and North America. The second part of the lecture will be devoted to present the outcomes research project on housing segregation in Berlin and Warsaw and the challenges of conducting social comparative research.
E. Territorial reforms in European local governments - the challenge of causality in comparative research
The lecture will present some of the methodological problems related to the identification of causal relationships in comparative research on territorial reforms. The scholarly literature on mergers and splits of municipalities is predominantly based on comparative studies. The quantitative comparisons of local jurisdictions in quasi-experimental settings serve to identify precisely the reform outcomes, while the low-N comparisons of countries, more qualitative in its nature, aim at discovering the main drivers of the reforms (or their combinations). We will discuss both types of studies.
F. Modeling the spatial distribution of asbestos products used in Poland
The following issues will be presented: 1) asbestos issues in Poland and in the world, 2) machine learning in process modeling, 3) estimating the quantity on the basis of the developed machine learning model under supervision, 4) presentation of the obtained results using geoinformatics tools.
G. Methodological problems in population studies on the example of the Asian part of Russia.
Presentation of the stages of the research procedure in the implementation of work in the field of population geography. Identifying methodological problems and searching for their solutions at the following stages:
- the legitimacy of undertaking the research, determining the research problem; - the scale of the research, regionalization, problems related to geographical nomenclature;
- formulation of hypotheses and their verification;
- selection of research methods, validity of using quantitative and qualitative methods;
- selection of statistical materials, data reliability; critical assessment of selected indicators
- case study- preparation and implementation of research.
H. Improving map design for maps of small scales using artificial intelligence.
Cartographic generalization is an essential element of map designing. It concerns the selection and simplification of geographic information relative to the map scale and purpose in order to present it at a smaller scale. Optimal and automatic generalization methods can improve and accelerate the map design process. To improve and automate the settlement and roads selection, it is proposed to use the methods based on artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the input data and examples, the machine can explore knowledge (new information) and draw conclusions based on the regularities detected in the data. The lecture will cover the elaboration and use of the selected AI-based generalization models to optimize and automate settlement and roads selection process. It will be shown how the use of AI as a way of the formalization of expert cartographic knowledge taking into account the object features and spatial context can be an effective approach for the multi-aspect and optimal settlement and road network generalization methodology development.
I. Qualitative research methods – adaptations to foresight and urban studies
Foresight and urban studies – a scientific enquiry into the future. A review of methods used in foresight studies. Examples of creative adaptations of qualitative methods: participatory methods, action research, natural experiment, focus groups and workshops, visualizations and other techniques used in interviews.
J. The use of tourism statistics in geographical research.
Statistical research related to tourist movement. World Tourism Organization data and data from national statistical offices. The economic importance of tourism and the ways of defining it (share of tourism in GDP, employment and exports). Data sources and available databases in Poland.
K. Critical Geography
Critical geography is a branch of human geography that applies geographic research methods to understand power relations and inequalities. Critical geography employs perspectives from various areas, such as postcolonial theory, feminism, critical race theory, and disability studies, among others.
L. Usability evaluation of (geo)visualization of data in order to develop evidence-based information visual communication
While designing quantitative and qualitative data presentation it is necessary to keep in mind the cognitive capabilities and preferences of users. Empirical experimentation with users is therefore an optimal approach for verifying and developing rules of proper visual communication. During the lecture there will be presented the eye tracking user study that focused on split attention issue that may considerably affect usability of various visualization types: maps as well as graphs or diagrams.
M. Geographical perspective in research on the development of contemporary cities
The lecture is devoted to two issues. The first one covers trends, directions and problems of urban development in the context of contemporary challenges, such as spontaneous urbanization and suburbanization, migrations to urbanized areas, changes in the basis of economic development of cities, socio-spatial inequalities in cities, formation of urban functional areas or climate change. The second issue is the approach and methodology of geographical studies in urban research, taking into account the formulation of research problems, information bases and the cognitive and application values of these studies.
N. Remote sensing – multi temporal analyses
One of the currently strongly developed directions in remote sensing are multi temporal analyses. By using the images of a given area acquired in different dates, we can study changes, their direction, dynamics, monitor the state, and forecast the directions of future changes. The growing access to image data with a variety of spatial resolutions and to algorithms for their processing facilitates the access of researchers from various disciplines to independently conduct research in this area. During the lecture, examples of how to conduct analyzes depending on the assumed goal will be presented.
O. Development discourse in Central America
The lecture focuses on the topic of the contemporary discourse around the understanding and use of "development", with particular emphasis on the countries of the Global South, especially Central America. An example is the energy, mining and tourism megaprojects located in this region. The aim of the lecture is to take a critical look at the generally accepted development paradigm associated with the dominance of the Global North. The concept of "south epistemology" is introduced and discussed, and then the concept of "political ontologies" is clarified. Students are encouraged to actively participate and discuss.
P. Examining Land Use Changes through the Socio-Ecological Systems Concept
Understanding the complex impact of human settlement patterns on social and natural systems is critical for immediate and long-term policy decisions and ecosystem conservation. Land use patterns can be conceptualised as a form of an integrated natural-human system in urban regions. However, existing scientific research on urban development and growth often overlooks the institutional diversity that exists in different countries and regions. Development and land use are politically motivated issues, and research rarely examines the impact of local policy institutions on land-use change across countries and over time. The lecture will present research on changes in land use. Space-time models of the interactive impact of socio-economic and political variables on land use intensity, estimated on the basis of the literature on urban and socio-ecological systems (SES), will be presented. The results of the research presented in the lecture were obtained by using spatial modelling of Durbin errors and spatial data adapted from the Corine Land Cover (CLC) database. The analysis focuses on land-use changes between 2012 and 2018, but changes between 2006 and 2012 were included as one of the explanatory variables.
Q. The specificity of geographical research on human and natural environment in developing countries
The specificity of geographical research on human and natural environment in developing countries. Particular attention will be given to the methodology of research on environmentally valuable areas (protected areas) and isolated areas (oases). History of oases research in various parts of the world and their transformations: environmental, socio-cultural, functional and spatial. Development projects in dry and semi-dry areas. Cooperation with research and scientific institutions in the countries of the Global South, including challenges for researchers conducting field research there. Contemporary research trends in the countries of the Global South.
R. The engagement of different stakeholders in policy making
How can different actors contribute to the design and implementation of public policies at the local level? We will mainly focus on the engagement of researchers with policymaking, which differs depending on how the researchers want to position themselves amidst policy and how the policymakers want to utilize the academic expertise (e.g. to guide strategic decisions, support a predetermined position or cover the unpopular decision already taken).
S. How much decentralization in the state?
The lecture presents the trend of recentralization observed in some European countries (including Poland) in recent years. The methods of limiting the autonomy of local governments in selected European countries are presented, with particular emphasis on Poland. Methodological issues concerning this new research trend are considered.

A. Political geography - history of the sub-discipline and selected research directions
The dual nature of politics and its practical consequences; an outline of the history of political geography (with particular emphasis on Poland) and main research directions in Polish political geography, including the main disputes and their consequences for the sub-discipline as well as Polish foreign policy and geopolitics; differences and similarities between the Polish, German and Anglo-Saxon schools in political geography; research into the structure of the international community and the terminology used to describe it; the importance of toponymics in geographical and historical research.
B. Specificities of research in developing countries
Why is qualitative research so important and what difficulties do European researchers encounter when they want to carry out projects in countries of the global South? Examples of own research in Latin American countries.
C. Sustainable tourism
1) The origins of the concept of sustainable tourism. Philosophical, historical, socio-economic and geographical genesis of it. 2) Evolution of the concept of sustainable tourism from 1980s. 3) The scope of sustainable tourism in present times. 4) How the term of sustainable tourism has abused in the research, mass media, politics, etc. 5) Discussion about "good practices" and "bad practices" in sustainable tourism.
D. Evolution of social geography approaches and methods
The course aims to trace the evolution of approaches and methods in geographic social studies. In the first part changes in research, efforts will be traced, as well as differences in the topics discussed in Poland, Western Europe, and North America. The second part of the lecture will be devoted to present the outcomes research project on housing segregation in Berlin and Warsaw and the challenges of conducting social comparative research.
E. Territorial reforms in European local governments - the challenge of causality in comparative research
The lecture will present some of the methodological problems related to the identification of causal relationships in comparative research on territorial reforms. The scholarly literature on mergers and splits of municipalities is predominantly based on comparative studies. The quantitative comparisons of local jurisdictions in quasi-experimental settings serve to identify precisely the reform outcomes, while the low-N comparisons of countries, more qualitative in its nature, aim at discovering the main drivers of the reforms (or their combinations). We will discuss both types of studies.
F. Modeling the spatial distribution of asbestos products used in Poland
The following issues will be presented: 1) asbestos issues in Poland and in the world, 2) machine learning in process modeling, 3) estimating the quantity on the basis of the developed machine learning model under supervision, 4) presentation of the obtained results using geoinformatics tools.
G. Methodological problems in population studies on the example of the Asian part of Russia.
Presentation of the stages of the research procedure in the implementation of work in the field of population geography. Identifying methodological problems and searching for their solutions at the following stages:
- the legitimacy of undertaking the research, determining the research problem; - the scale of the research, regionalization, problems related to geographical nomenclature;
- formulation of hypotheses and their verification;
- selection of research methods, validity of using quantitative and qualitative methods;
- selection of statistical materials, data reliability; critical assessment of selected indicators
- case study- preparation and implementation of research.
H. Improving map design for maps of small scales using artificial intelligence.
Cartographic generalization is an essential element of map designing. It concerns the selection and simplification of geographic information relative to the map scale and purpose in order to present it at a smaller scale. Optimal and automatic generalization methods can improve and accelerate the map design process. To improve and automate the settlement and roads selection, it is proposed to use the methods based on artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the input data and examples, the machine can explore knowledge (new information) and draw conclusions based on the regularities detected in the data. The lecture will cover the elaboration and use of the selected AI-based generalization models to optimize and automate settlement and roads selection process. It will be shown how the use of AI as a way of the formalization of expert cartographic knowledge taking into account the object features and spatial context can be an effective approach for the multi-aspect and optimal settlement and road network generalization methodology development.
I. Qualitative research methods – adaptations to foresight and urban studies
Foresight and urban studies – a scientific enquiry into the future. A review of methods used in foresight studies. Examples of creative adaptations of qualitative methods: participatory methods, action research, natural experiment, focus groups and workshops, visualizations and other techniques used in interviews.
J. The use of tourism statistics in geographical research.
Statistical research related to tourist movement. World Tourism Organization data and data from national statistical offices. The economic importance of tourism and the ways of defining it (share of tourism in GDP, employment and exports). Data sources and available databases in Poland.
K. Critical Geography
Critical geography is a branch of human geography that applies geographic research methods to understand power relations and inequalities. Critical geography employs perspectives from various areas, such as postcolonial theory, feminism, critical race theory, and disability studies, among others.
L. Usability evaluation of (geo)visualization of data in order to develop evidence-based information visual communication
While designing quantitative and qualitative data presentation it is necessary to keep in mind the cognitive capabilities and preferences of users. Empirical experimentation with users is therefore an optimal approach for verifying and developing rules of proper visual communication. During the lecture there will be presented the eye tracking user study that focused on split attention issue that may considerably affect usability of various visualization types: maps as well as graphs or diagrams.
M. Geographical perspective in research on the development of contemporary cities
The lecture is devoted to two issues. The first one covers trends, directions and problems of urban development in the context of contemporary challenges, such as spontaneous urbanization and suburbanization, migrations to urbanized areas, changes in the basis of economic development of cities, socio-spatial inequalities in cities, formation of urban functional areas or climate change. The second issue is the approach and methodology of geographical studies in urban research, taking into account the formulation of research problems, information bases and the cognitive and application values of these studies.
N. Remote sensing – multi temporal analyses
One of the currently strongly developed directions in remote sensing are multi temporal analyses. By using the images of a given area acquired in different dates, we can study changes, their direction, dynamics, monitor the state, and forecast the directions of future changes. The growing access to image data with a variety of spatial resolutions and to algorithms for their processing facilitates the access of researchers from various disciplines to independently conduct research in this area. During the lecture, examples of how to conduct analyzes depending on the assumed goal will be presented.
O. Development discourse in Central America
The lecture focuses on the topic of the contemporary discourse around the understanding and use of "development", with particular emphasis on the countries of the Global South, especially Central America. An example is the energy, mining and tourism megaprojects located in this region. The aim of the lecture is to take a critical look at the generally accepted development paradigm associated with the dominance of the Global North. The concept of "south epistemology" is introduced and discussed, and then the concept of "political ontologies" is clarified. Students are encouraged to actively participate and discuss.
P. Examining Land Use Changes through the Socio-Ecological Systems Concept
Understanding the complex impact of human settlement patterns on social and natural systems is critical for immediate and long-term policy decisions and ecosystem conservation. Land use patterns can be conceptualised as a form of an integrated natural-human system in urban regions. However, existing scientific research on urban development and growth often overlooks the institutional diversity that exists in different countries and regions. Development and land use are politically motivated issues, and research rarely examines the impact of local policy institutions on land-use change across countries and over time. The lecture will present research on changes in land use. Space-time models of the interactive impact of socio-economic and political variables on land use intensity, estimated on the basis of the literature on urban and socio-ecological systems (SES), will be presented. The results of the research presented in the lecture were obtained by using spatial modelling of Durbin errors and spatial data adapted from the Corine Land Cover (CLC) database. The analysis focuses on land-use changes between 2012 and 2018, but changes between 2006 and 2012 were included as one of the explanatory variables.
Q. The specificity of geographical research on human and natural environment in developing countries
The specificity of geographical research on human and natural environment in developing countries. Particular attention will be given to the methodology of research on environmentally valuable areas (protected areas) and isolated areas (oases). History of oases research in various parts of the world and their transformations: environmental, socio-cultural, functional and spatial. Development projects in dry and semi-dry areas. Cooperation with research and scientific institutions in the countries of the Global South, including challenges for researchers conducting field research there. Contemporary research trends in the countries of the Global South.
R. The engagement of different stakeholders in policy making
How can different actors contribute to the design and implementation of public policies at the local level? We will mainly focus on the engagement of researchers with policymaking, which differs depending on how the researchers want to position themselves amidst policy and how the policymakers want to utilize the academic expertise (e.g. to guide strategic decisions, support a predetermined position or cover the unpopular decision already taken).
S. How much decentralization in the state?
The lecture presents the trend of recentralization observed in some European countries (including Poland) in recent years. The methods of limiting the autonomy of local governments in selected European countries are presented, with particular emphasis on Poland. Methodological issues concerning this new research trend are considered.