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Urban vegetation classification with high-resolution PlanetScope and SkySat multispectral imagery
66-75Views:968In this study two high-resolution satellite imagery, the PlanetScope, and SkySat were compared based on their classification capabilities of urban vegetation. During the research, we applied Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classification methods at a study area, center of Rome, Italy. We performed the classifications based on the spectral bands, then we involved the NDVI index, too. We evaluated the classification performance of the classifiers using different sets of input data with ROC curves and AUC values. Additional statistical analyses were applied to reveal the correlation structure of the satellite bands and the NDVI and General Linear Modeling to evaluate the AUC of different models. Although different classification methods did not result in significantly differing outcomes (AUC values between 0.96 and 0.99), SVM’s performance was better. The contribution of NDVI resulted in significantly higher AUC values. SkySat’s bands provided slightly better input data related to PlanetScope but the difference was minimal (~3%); accordingly, both satellites ensured excellent classification results.
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History of the meteorological observatoions in Debrecen
1-5Views:171Debrecen was among the first cities in Hungary where meteorological observatories were established, although the weather station of our University was put into operation 80 years ago, Meteorological observations have a much longer history in the city. In the present paper history of the meteorological observations and stations worked in the city has been reviewed with special emphasis on the meteorological observatory of the University of Debrecen.
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Heavy metal loads in the soil of Debrecen
57-67Views:164Results of examinations on the amount, and spatial distribution of heavy metal compounds in the soil of Debrecen, their geographic, pedologic and ecologic aspects are presented in this study. The effects of the differences in traffic conditions, build-up/land use and the density of vegetation on the heavy metal content of the soils have been examined in city of Debrecen and its closer environment. Cadmium-, cobalt-, nickel-, lead-, and copper-contents of the soil samples taken from 88 sites of the sample area have been studied after acidic extraction, using atomic absorption spectrometer with the flame technique. Close-to-background concentrations of heavy metals in unpolluted soils of the forested area of the Nagyerdő were determined. Spatial differences in the heavy metal content of the soils for the whole area of Debrecen have been studied. Influence of soil properties (humus, CalciumCarbonate content, pH and grain size distribution) on the binding and mobility of heavy metals in the soil has been examined. Vertical distribution and mobility of heavy metal compounds in acid sandy soils was determined. Heavy metal content of soil in the most sensitive areas, playgrounds, recreational areas, urban gardens and grazing fields along busy roads has been surveyed.
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Addressing desertification in Algeria: Etiologies, National Policies, and Accomplishments
63-84Views:46Desertification, affects 36.62% of non-desert land in Algeria, stands as a critical environmental challenge demanding thorough analysis and strategic intervention. This study offered a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted dynamics of desertification, scrutinizing its varied causes, ecological repercussions, and governmental countermeasures. Drawing on extensive research, the article synthesizes insights from previously overlooked factors such as colonialism, wildfires, socio-economic shifts, and the evolving climate landscape. Since 1962, Algeria has committed to mitigate desertification through strategic programs into national development plans, intricately woven into the fabric of national development plans. Noteworthy among these initiatives is the vegetation barrier project, conceived to erect a formidable vegetation barrier against the relentless advance of encroaching deserts. The legal and institutional frameworks, coupled with meticulous planning under the National Spatial Development Plan (SNAT 2025), underscore Algeria’s proactive stance. Despite commendable achievements in afforestation, watershed protection, and socio-economic development, persistent challenges underscore the need for continued collaboration, adaptive strategies, and an unwavering commitment to mitigating the profound impacts of desertification on Algeria’s diverse ecosystems and communities.
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Characterization of urban aerosol sources in Debrecen, Hungary
109-119Views:169Debrecen is an average middle European city from the point of view of aerosol pollution. Its location makes the city an ideal place for observing aerosol transport processes. Systematic investigation of atmospheric aerosol of the east-Hungarian region has been performed in the Institute of Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for 20 years by accelerator based elemental analytical technique. As a complementation of this research we observed the size distribution and short-term time variation of the elemental component of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-PM2.5) urban aerosol in the frame of sampling campaigns during 2007 and 2008 in a downtown site of Debrecen. Meteorological parameters were also recorded parallel to the aerosol sampling. Elemental concentrations (Z ≥ 12) were determined by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analytical technique at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Applications (IBA) of the ATOMKI. On the obtained database six sources of the urban aerosol were identified: 2 types of soil, domestic heating, sulphate originating from long range transport processes, an unidentified source enriched with chlorine and traffic. Emission episodes were also observed. The short-time variation of urban aerosol combined with meteorological data and with mass size distribution serves as a basis to reach a better understanding of the aerosol sources in receptor areas, to select local emission and long range transport episodes, to follow the evolution of aerosol, and to make a better estimate on the health impact.
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A historic geographic approach to the anthropic disturbance in the Bükk region
58-65Views:504This paper introduce a historical geographical study on the process of land cover transformation in the Bükk Region, which can be regarded as a two-faced area concerning its anthropogenic disturbance. Based on historic mapping that began as early as the late 18th century, a database was produced, and the data was interpreted in the context of economic and social processes that took place in the area. Results could be presented in maps using the so-called Anthropogenic Disturbance Index (ADI). These maps demonstrate the peculiar land use pattern in the Bükk Region, namely co-habitation of the significantly transformed margins and the natural or quasi-natural central part. Between them, there are linear areas of intermediate disturbance. These areas, however, due to the foundation and activity of the Bükk National Park and modification of their economic value after the change of the political system, have not increased during the last several decades; rather a re-naturalization of the landscape is aimed.
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Case study for estimation of the amount of contaminants stored in soil in an industrial area
1-11Views:446One of the main sources of contaminants in the soil is industrial activity which has become one of the major environmental problems of the last few decades. The development of geoinformatics as well as the introduction of standards and regulations has led to a decreased risk of soil contamination and the cost-effective optimization of remediation activities. Based on the above, the aim of our study is to demonstrate the geoinformation processing of the remediation performed in an industrial area located in the Great Hungarian Plain, with special regard to the estimation of the amount and spread of the contaminants accumulated in the soil. In order to reveal the lithological and hydrogeological properties of the investigated area and the environmental status of the underground areas, we performed a large number of shallow land drillings (115). During the field sampling, 1000–1500 grams of samples were collected from the drill bit and were processed in an accredited laboratory. Based on the concentration and volume models created it can be concluded that with the estimations performed via modeling, we were able to locate the most critical areas from the standpoint of contamination. It was revealed that the focal point of the contaminants accumulated in the soil was in the central part of the investigated area. Furthermore, the model demonstrated the effect of lithological factors, since contaminants tend to accumulate more heavily in cohesive soils compared to porous rocks. The extent of contaminant concentration in the aquifer increased with decreasing depth; however, after reaching the floor clay the extent of contaminant concentration began to decrease. The lithological layer closest to the surface contained the most contaminants.
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Bridges over borders: examining the success factors and spatial dynamics of tourism-themed cross-border projects in Hungary
52-62Views:32Tourism serves as the primary engine for cross-border integration within EU Cohesion Policy, representing the most dominant thematic objective in Interreg, IPA, and ENI frameworks. Analysis of the keep.eu dataset reveals that while 247 programmes have supported over 4,700 tourism projects, the sector is intrinsically linked to cultural heritage and education as “soft-power” tools for territorial cohesion. Hungary ranks in the top decile for project participation with 440 initiatives, yet a moderate partnership-to-project ratio indicates a strategic preference for bilateral cooperation over complex multilateral networks. Spatial distribution shows significant clustering along the Serbian, Romanian, and Croatian borders, whereas regional strategic priorities in other areas often emphasize cultural heritage, education and institutional cooperation over direct tourism development. The “Route of Medieval Churches” case study validates that successful integration depends on moving beyond fragmented restoration toward “sellable” tourism products through bilingualism and digital innovation. Effective cross-border cooperation requires a five-dimensional synergy where integrated marketing and strategic branding outweigh standalone infrastructural investments. For the 2021–2027 budgetary cycle, shifting focus from physical assets to cohesive destination identity is essential for long-term sustainability and regional competitiveness.
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Cost sensitivity of international students in the largest hungarian university cities
76-84Views:469Statistics on international students distinguish between diploma mobility (full-time students abroad) and credit mobility (part-time courses, student exchanges such as Erasmus+, etc.). In terms of economic benefits, their common feature is mostly realised in the spendings by the foreign students in the host country. The comparison of the host cities reveals that Budapest should be considered as a separate category being different from the other cities in many respects. Although, the assessment of the other three university centres (Pécs, Debrecen and Szeged) received similar evaluations (close average values) but some kind of order developed between them in which Szeged and Pécs are perhaps regarded in a little bit more favourable position than Debrecen. There is a lot to be improved to broaden the studentification process in these cities particularly in four fields. The evaluations can certainly be considered useful in the sense that they help to identify those services which are problematic in any terms (price or quality).
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The appearance of renewable energy sources in the settlement development documents of local authorities in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County
42-49Views:291In recent decades, several new trends can be observed in the field of energy management, one of which is the increase of the role of renewable energy sources. As a result of this fact, local authorities in Hungary have also devoted increasing attention to this question in recent years. The first step of their interventions is the drawing up of the appropriate development documents, relying on which specific steps/investments can also take place later. In the spirit of the above, the objective of the present paper is to analyse the development documents of local authorities in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County. The most important findings of the study could be summarised as follows. Firstly the Integrated Settlement Development Strategies prepared for the period 2014 to 2020 dealt with the topic of renewable energy sources in much more detail than earlier documents. Secondly from the various renewable energy sources, the development document devoted most attention to solar and geothermal energy and thirdly the appearance of renewable energy sources in the development documents shows a close link with the size of the settlements.
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Borderless Nagykuns –a shared historical past and a (hoped-for) shared tourism future on Europe’s periphery
32-51Views:15This study examines the unified and historically traceable heritage system of the historical Nagykunság (Greater Cumania) (Hungary) and the communities that migrated to Bácska (Bačka) (Serbia) at the end of the 18th century. The relevance of the topic lies in reuniting cross-border cultural narratives, integrating spatially dispersed heritage elements, and leveraging digital interpretation tools. The research aims to analyze the expression of Nagykun (Greater Cumanian) identity within the diaspora and to establish the theoretical foundations for a future ”Nagykun Heritage Route”. Applied methods included the analysis of 23 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Karcag, Kisújszállás, Bácskossuthfalva, and Pacsér, along with the study of demographic correlations using SPSS. Key results confirm that material heritage—especially gastronomy (e.g., mutton stew) and pastoral culture—shows stable continuity and high interpretability for tourism. In contrast, forms of intangible heritage—such as emigration narratives and ritual practices—have developed adaptively and require a more sophisticated threshold of interpretation. Bácska diaspora communities preserve more strongly narrativized identity structures, while in the mother country, traditions remain embedded in everyday practice. Digital tools play a key role in lowering the threshold of interpretation and ensuring virtual accessibility based on community participation.
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Developing a strategy of data collection and pre-processing to assess bike-sharing system station placements with the help of GIS
28-35Views:172Our research presents a methodological framework for analyzing bicycle-sharing systems, using the self-service bike operations of JCDecaux in Toulouse as a case study. The objective was to identify a method for obtaining a cleansed and structured attribute list that could be useful in evaluating and optimizing the placement of bicycle rental docks. Utilizing open data, our approach involves developing a Python script within QGIS to create new layers around each of the 288 studied bicycle rental stations, based on a selected 100-meter buffer. This buffer size is chosen to reduce data overlap in dense urban settings. The script is designed to collect urban features within these buffers that register as multipolygons (mainly buildings) or points (amenities, transportation features), moreover it applies categorization of data, such as identifying and marking the different building types. The method includes a basic visualization of potential data in QGIS using OpenStreetMap.
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Climate change: Hungary’s perception and how we adopt renewables against it
58-65Views:122The aim of the research is to present the effects of climate change in Hungary, the public opinion on climate change and the related social acceptance of renewable energy sources and the reasons for their adaptation. Previous surveys have shown that the Hungarian population is aware of the dangers of climate change, yet they are less willing to act against either climate change or pollution. Global climate change threatens peripheral regions more than central regions, as several studies have shown. Hungary has so far successfully met its climate targets but is still far from reaching the 2050 climate neutrality target. The financial and economic situation of the Hungarian population does not currently allow them to widely adopt the opportunities offered by renewable energy sources, but those who can afford to invest in the technologies do so primarily for the financial savings, not to fight climate change.
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Geoinformatic background of geothermal energy utilization and its applications in East Hungary
145-152Views:432Powerful geothermal energy utilisation requires geoinformatic tools from potential surveying through the designing and setting of geothermal systems to certain operational tasks. However, practical data processing strongly depends on the elaboration of basic data and information, the type of the geothermal energy harvesting system and the character of the calculation demonstrated by case studies from East Hungary, in addition the usability of the resulted maps are also presented. Besides their usability for investors these maps could be refined in the location of the development before hydraulic/heat transport modelling.
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Statistical Indices of Land Use Changes and Nutrients Balance of Tomatoes and Peppers Production in Jordan Valley and Highlands (1999-2019)
65-76Views:381Climate change has caused pressure on water resources in Jordan. This was accompanied by the Syrian refugee crisis during the period 2009 to 2019. This descriptive study was conducted in the University of Debrecen, during the years 2020 and 2021 within the course of sustainable land use by collecting official statistical data from reliable sources in Jordan on the production of tomato, pepper, and paprika during five years 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019 to compare the change in land use, crop sown structure, country production, unit area average yield and estimation of unit area pollution with major nutrients. The study showed an increased land used for the production of vegetables by (+ 37.84%) during the period from 2004 to 2014, high productivity per hectare for three crops from 2014 to 2019. Jordan had the highest tomato and paprika crop yields in 2014. The reason is due to the increase in the local and global demand for these crops along with other reasons, which have promoted the use of mass production agricultural techniques, the most important of which is chemical fertilization. Which caused the accumulation of phosphorus and potassium in soils.
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Landscape shape index, as a potencial indicator of urban development in Hungary
78-88Views:624The study of settlement shape, morphology and structure is a classic topic of urban geography. Since the 1960s multiple shape indices have been developed. Urban patterns were then compared with geometric forms or, alternatively their temporal changes were tracked and analysed. In the current study we adapted the landscape shape index (LSI) to analyse the historical shape development of eight Hungarian cities. The LSI is capable to demonstrate the functional and mutual relationship between the developed area and their immediate physical and natural environment. Over the past 230 years the land area of the studied cities has increased manifold for several reasons: on average, an areal increase of 10.4 to 24.5 was observed for the eight settlements, while their perimeter increased by 8.8 to 30.3 times. Simultaneously with their size growth, the studied cities are characterized by an increasingly fragmented and dissected ground plans. Consequently, due to the longer border between the developed areas and the adjacent natural zones, urban areas have become increasingly sensitive to environmental effects over the past century, while mutual ecological and environmental interactions has also considerably increased between the adjoining zones. In general, cities of hilly and low-mountain areas had the highest LSIs, whereas cities located on relatively flat grounds had comparatively low LSIs. We also investigated the rank correlation of the historical change of LSI of the studied settlements. Cities of high positive correlations (> 0.9) were classified into two major categories. Miskolc, Pécs, Szeged and Kecskemét belonged to the group of higher LSIs, whereas Székesfehérvár and Nyíregyháza fell into the class of medium LSIs and the third category included Debrecen and Győr, cities of low (< 0.9) LSIs. Based on the temporal trends of the LSIs, our results provide applicable information for decision makers in order to monitor, manage and track their investments, city management policies and infrastructural development strategies.
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Investigation of the wind power potential of the Hernád valley
93-107Views:192The University of Debrecen, Department of Meteorology has carried out research into the climatic and social-economic conditions of the Hernád valley in the scope of a scientific project (OTKA K 75794) between 2009 and 2012. The aim is to find out the optimal area for wind and solar energy, as well as biomass utilization. Our purpose is to work out a model wherein the complex evaluation of natural and social-economic conditions and effects can eventually result in a sustainable and conflictfree land use. The results of the research will be useful in working out a regional improvement based on the use of renewable energy sources to help the local decision-making process.