GEOGRAPHICALIA is a scientific journal that publishes theoretical and applied research manuscripts about different fields of Geography and periphery disciplines. The journal offers a specific research line based on thematic cartography and the cartographic representation of data from a multidisciplinary and multiscale perspective. GEOGRAPHICALIA aims to give visibility and offer solutions to the key global challenges with geographic science and spatial and land planning components. The journal is edited since 1977. The Department of Geography and Land Management at the University of Zaragoza oversees its edition since 1985. The journal is annually published in electronic format with the following ISSN: 2386-3021. Gender equality, the promotion of young researchers, and the scientific dissemination through cartographic and data visualization are the key elements of the editorial line.
La revista conserva los derechos patrimoniales (copyright) de las obras publicadas, y favorece y permite la reutilización de las mismas bajo la licencia indicada en el punto 2. Las obras se publican en la edición electrónica de la revista bajo una licencia Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial-SinObraDerivada 3.0 España (texto legal). Se pueden copiar, usar, difundir, transmitir y exponer públicamente, siempre que se cite la autoría, la url, y la revista, y no se usen para fines comerciales. Los autores están de acuerdo con la licencia de uso utilizada por la revista, con las condiciones de autoarchivo y con la política de acceso abierto.
From territorial issues to sustainable management
This issue of Geographicalia takes a look at various problems affecting the territory in a wide range of geographical and thematic areas. It also proposes measures to manage these problems, supported by rigorous, exhaustive analysis and reliable data sources, which help to restore balance and reduce inequalities. Contributions in the form of articles, maps, notes and reviews complete an ambitious issue that aims to attract readers from different fields related to the world of territory and its management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Geographicalia http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Dialogues between Geography and Urbanism: report on the 'First series of conferences on territory and city. Rethinking territory, redesigning the city'
The First Territory and City Conference Series was established with the aim of fostering discussion on major urban and territorial challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective. Under the theme ‘Rethinking the Territory, Redesigning the City’, the series brought together, during February and March 2025, leading experts in geography and urban studies to address central issues on the contemporary agenda. Jorge Olcina examined territorial adaptation to environmental risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive climate planning; Sara Protasoni advocated the incorporation of hybrid ecological approaches to conceptualize and manage peri-urban landscapes; Ricardo Méndez analyzed the structural roots of the housing crisis and proposed several lines of action; and María Buhigas highlighted the transformative potential of local action, illustrated through Barcelona’s municipal environmental adaptation program. The series created a space for training and public debate, with a clear commitment to extending its impact beyond the event itself through the development of a documentary repository intended to help build a shared territorial culture within the University of Zaragoza.
MULTIVARIATE MAPPING OF TOURISM AND DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS IN ARAGON
The emergence of new statistical sources on tourism demand at the municipal level, together with their integration with population data, enables this study to develop a cartographic proposal that jointly analyses demographic dynamics and tourist mobility in Aragon. The cartography is based on the cumulative rate of change in demographic data and on the number of interprovincial trips made by resident tourists between 2020 and 2023, using a bivariate legend that facilitates the integrated interpretation and comparison of both indicators. The results stand for an advance in the visualisation and understanding of recent patterns of internal tourist mobility and demographic evolution, while also providing improvements in the methodological approach and cartographic design applied to territorial tourism analysis.
Remote and proximal sensors for modeling and monitoring soil recovery in burned areas
Sens4Soil – “Remote and Proximal Sensors for Modeling and Monitoring Soil Recovery in Burned Areas” is a project awarded under the 2024 Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento call of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PID2024-160889OA-I00). Sens4Soil is a research initiative aimed at understanding the recovery dynamics of forest soils affected by wildfires through the integration of remote sensors (satellites) and proximal sensors (drones and field spectroradiometers). The project is built upon a multiscale and multisensor approach that will enable the development of predictive models of soil properties, digital soil maps, and quantitative diagnostics of soil condition over a broad temporal window (1985–2025). Sens4Soil will pay particular attention to the role of key contextual variables -such as fire severity and post-fire hydrological-forest restoration practices- in shaping soil resilience, identifying operational metrics and protocols to support the management of burned areas.
Housing crisis and territorial disparities in Spain: trends, discussions and proposals
The increasing cost of housing and the difficulties in the access for a growing part of the population is now a social and economic problem in many urban areas of Spain and other European Union countries. The article discusses the main theories about its causes, dependence on recent trends, the startegies of the main actors, especially financial ones, and their impact on rental housing. It analyses the evolution of price inequalities by territory at different scales. After a diagnosis based on the use of secondary sources, the text concludes with a proposal for lines of action in housing policy.
Adaptive planning and resilience to droughts and floods in the spanish mediterranean
ADAPTAMED is a research project that aims to reconstruct and compare droughts and floods on the Spanish Mediterranean coast (1750–2025) to assess social vulnerability and propose evidence-based territorial adaptation measures. It is structured into two subprojects: DRYMED (droughts) and FLOODMED (floods). It combines dendrochronology, instrumental series, historical archives, and cartography/GIS to link climate hazards with changing exposure and vulnerability. Expected outputs include a Drought Atlas (18th–19th centuries), historical flood exposure maps, a catalog of droughts with impact, and a strategic adaptation document. ADAPTAMED translates three centuries of climate memory into concrete decisions: maps, indices, and operational rules that help improve land use planning, water management, and emergency response. With open data and tools, it offers administrations and productive sectors a rigorous and replicable basis to reduce risks today and increase resilience in the coming decades.
Climate mapping of average precipitation. National Atlas of Spain
This article describes the process of producing maps of average annual and seasonal precipitation for the period 1991–2020, included in the National Atlas of Spain (ANE). It details the phases of raster generalisation, vectorisation, topological review and composition, carried out using data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in accordance with the Atlas' technical standards. The aim is to obtain clear, comparable and accurate maps, adapted to the scale of the ANE and suitable for public dissemination. The result is up-to-date and rigorous cartography that contributes to the geographical and climatic knowledge of the country.
clima, precipitación, atlas, cartografía
Students’ perceptions of natural hazards among secondary school students in the Vega Baja del Segura (Spain): a general overview and nuances between Spanish and foreign students.
In the Vega Baja del Segura region of Alicante (Spain), natural hazards pose a constant threat to the population. Events such as the Santa Teresa flood (1879), the DANA of 2019 and the earthquake of 1829 highlight its vulnerability, which is exacerbated by climate change and land use. This study analyses the perception of these phenomena among 3rd year secondary school students (n=270) through a questionnaire and the differences between national and foreign students. The results show that the majority identify floods (65.6%) and earthquakes (55.2%) as current threats, while drought is less of a concern (31.9%). However, some students are not fully aware of the seriousness of these risks, and this lack of awareness is uneven between the two groups. Furthermore, 80.7% do not perceive the relationship between physical and human causes, which highlights the need to strengthen education on natural hazards.
PRESERVATION OF MATURE STANDS. STUDY OF THE EVOLUTION OF FIVE MATURE STANDS IN NET NATURA 2000 IN ARAGON
Forest maturity is not a new concept, but it has only recently been incorporated into forest management practices in Spain. Its significance lies primarily in its function as a biodiversity reservoir, making its conservation a key priority for improving sustainable forest management. Assessing the recent development of mature stands across different biogeographical regions can facilitate the identification of new mature forests and support more informed planning and management decisions. This study examines the evolution of five forest stands with mature characteristics located in Nature 2000 Network in Aragon.
Comparative analysis of trends in cadastral valuation and municipal rates in Ecuador and Spain
This study conducts a comparative analysis of the evolution of cadastral valuation and tax rates in Ecuador and Spain during the 2006-2016 period, with the objective of evaluating and contrasting the results of their cadastral management models—centralized in Spain and decentralized in Ecuador. The methodology was based on the analysis of data from all municipalities in both countries, obtained from Spain's National Cadastre Directorate and Ecuadorian cantonal ordinances. The results reveal significant differences: Spain exhibits high stability in tax rates and undervaluation of properties. In contrast, Ecuador shows great variability in rates, a higher relative fiscal pressure in rural areas, and a notable influence of political cycles on local decisions, revealing territorial inequities. It is concluded that the Spanish centralized model favors fiscal harmonization at the cost of slow adaptation to the market, while the autonomy of the Ecuadorian decentralized model generates disparities and less coherence in tax policy
Territorial energy planning: the potential for self-sufficiency in renewable energy in the territory and PDOTs
Ecuador is a developing country experiencing consistent economic and population growth, which implies increasing demands for resources and energy. Due to environmental and economic requirements, the electrification of most energy consumption sectors has become a priority, resulting in greater pressure on electricity production at both macro and micro scales. In this context, this manuscript presents the methodology of the ongoing research project “Territorial Energy Planning: Current Situation and Methodology for the Integration of Generation and Electrical Grids into the Territory and PDOTs”, which aims to establish the potential for the development of on-site clean energy generation and distribution systems in smaller political units, integrating them into the Development and Land Use Plans (PDOTs). Based on previous analyses and studies that have identified the capacity and energy potential for harnessing solar, wind, hydro, and waste resources in other locations, there is a need for methodologies that allow for the rapid assessment of local energy resources. At the local-municipal level, it is necessary to prioritise technologies that enable adopting the best options according to the opportunities they represent, considering collateral impacts, adaptation to the environment, and social needs, and ensuring profitability and environmental integrity. This paper presents partial results of the aforementioned project.
Environmental and geological engineering
Urban studies (Planning and development)
Deployment of Web-Based Platforms with Geospatial Data for Territorial Management
Territorial management requires precise, consistent, and up-to-date geospatial information that enables the characterization of both the physical properties of the territory and its resources, as well as the socio-environmental interactions with the population. Open access to these data is an essential requirement for the comprehensive analysis of territorial dynamics and for supporting modeling, planning, and evidence-based decision-making processes. The implementation of web platforms for territorial information was developed in three interdependent phases: (A) processing of territorial data, (B) development of the web environment, and (C) deployment of territorial information platforms. As a result, 26 platforms were implemented, incorporating 2 599 cartographic layers organized into 16 thematic areas. By 2024, the platforms recorded an average of 370 monthly visits and more than 100 registered users with download credentials, including Decentralized Autonomous Governments and the general public. The results demonstrate that the application of geospatial information technologies enhances data transfer and provides strategic inputs for territorial management stakeholders, thereby strengthening planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Book review: VANIER, M. (2024). Le temps des liens. La Tour d’Aigues: Éditions de l’Aube.
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="0e30466e-b84d-41d4-8ae9-7927c1fc3a62" data-testid="conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Book review: VANIER, M. (2024). Le temps des liens. La Tour d’Aigues: Éditions de l’Aube.
Simulation of the population of Navarre (2025-2050) using a stochastic model
In this paper, we present the methodology used in a study currently being drafted to project demographic evolution between 2025 and 2050. Traditional approaches in geography tend to be based on fixed growth rates or on component analysis. In contrast, this study uses a Monte Carlo simulation model combined with stochastic differential equations (SDEs), which allows for the incorporation of the uncertainty inherent in demographic systems. The objective of the proposed method is to estimate the probability that the population will reach a certain number, in this case in the Autonomous Community of Navarre, in the period between 2025 and 2050. The choice of a stochastic model responds to the need to treat time and demographic variables as discrete values, thus capturing the dynamic nature of the population with greater precision.
The landscape map as a territorial management tool: an approach based on the landscape maps of Aragon
The European Landscape Convention defines landscape as "an area as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action of natural and/or human factors." In this context, the Geographical Institute of Aragón (IGEAR) has developed Regional Landscape Maps that identify, classify, and assess the landscape diversity of Aragón’s regions. These maps, developed within the framework of Law 4/2009 and its 2015 amendment, align with the principles of the European Landscape Convention by integrating landscape (both natural and human-made) as a key resource for territorial planning and sustainable development. With scales ranging from 1:25,000 to 1:100,000 and georeferenced photographic annexes, these maps have become essential tools for territorial management, providing benefits such as quality of life, historical identity, and socioeconomic resources for many municipalities in Aragón. By combining geomorphology and landscape, these maps facilitate more effective and equitable territorial planning.
From Geography to Global Geomorphology in Aragon
The evolution of geomorphology in Aragon is presented from the initial studies promoted by foreign scientists. In the sixties of the 20th century Salvador Mensua was able to create from the Department of Geography of the University of Zaragoza a school of geomorphology that still has great relevance through his studies on the relief of semi-arid landscapes, the evolution of structural forms and the development of geomorphological mapping procedures that have had a great influence on Spanish geomorphology. This was largely due to the work of his two main disciples (María Jesús Ibáñez and José Luis Peña Monné) since the 1970s and the subsequent group that was formed since the 1980s. The creation of the chair of Geomorphology in the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Zaragoza, in charge of Mateo Gutiérrez Elorza contributed to the confirmation of a school of growing national and international influence, consolidated with the works of Carlos Sancho Marcén and Francisco Gutiérrez Santolalla. Finally, the emergence of geomorphological studies at the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC) and its interactions with the two previous groups confirms the great development and impact of geomorphology from university and research centers in Aragon.
Copyright (c) 2024 Geographicalia http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessment of agricultural land degradation due to erosion processes by piping from historical landscape reconstruction using automated photogrammetry techniques
Piping erosion is a relatively common process in semiarid areas and has a series of negative effects associated to it, such as the degradation of crop fields. The present work analyses the case of the Aguarales de Valpalmas (Zaragoza), studying the evolution of cultivated areas since mid-twentieth century to the present from a planimetric and volumetric point of view. The application of GIS tools shows changes in their distribution, quantifying a superficial loss of 10% compared to their situation in 1957. On the other hand, the application of automated digital photogrammetry techniques allowed us to reconstruct the historical landscape and the comparison between models, obtaining a loss of soil of about 2,600 m3. This type of study improves magnitude estimation of erosion processes and their effects on agricultural land.
Hydromorphological analysis of ephemeral rivers using remote sensing and machine learning
Ephemeral rivers in the Mediterranean region account for 70% of the river network and this proportion is expected to increase due to climate change. The shortcomings initially existing in the Water Framework Directive, created in 2000 to characterise the environmental status of the river network, have been improved with the incorporation of specific hydrogeomorphological analyses for intermittent rivers. This paper proposes new methodologies to address the hydrogeomorphological characterisation of ephemeral rivers by means of supervised classification, automatic segmentation and data analysis. These methods have been applied in the basins of the Rambla de la Viuda and Rambla de Cervera, which have been affected by aggregate extraction from the 1970s until 2000. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of combining these methodologies to monitor and assist in river management.
Strategies for restoring vegetation cover and improving soil quality in degraded Mediterranean environments.
Dryland sites are facing significant challenges due to ongoing degradation processes. Incorporating organic amendments into ecosystem restoration has proven to be an effective approach for accelerating soil regeneration in these affected areas. Initiatives such as the "Experimental Erosion Measurement Network" and "Soil Recovery and Amendments on the Teatinos Campus" aim to enhance soil quality, promote water infiltration, mitigate erosion, and improve the survival rates of replanting efforts. This research explores the effectiveness of organic amendments in dryland restoration, emphasizing the influence of various types, dosages, and application methods. Key findings include: (a) the impact of amendments on soil properties is highly dependent on their origin; (b) amendments should be used at the lowest effective doses; (c) surface application ("on-top") is the most widely adopted method; and (d) the stability and maturity of the amendments are critical factors that can determine their success or failure.
Zoning avalanche susceptibility in mountain regions using gis: the case of Sierra Nevada (Spain)
Snow avalanches, represent a significant risk in mountainous environments with high tourist influx, such as Sierra Nevada (Spain). This study develops a methodology based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis to identify areas susceptible to avalanche triggering. Key variables such as altitude, slope, land cover, morphology, and accumulation zones were analysed to generate susceptibility maps classified into four levels. The results reveal that areas with the highest susceptibility are concentrated on the slopes of major peaks and regions with intense recreational activity associated with winter sports. This work provides a novel contribution to avalanche knowledge in Sierra Nevada and constitutes a key tool for land management and natural hazard risk reduction.
VOLTURMAC: Strengthening of volcano tourism in Macaronesian Region (Azores, Madeira, Canary And Cape Verde)
The objective of the VOLTURMAC project (MAC2/4.6c/298), funded by the INTERREG VA Spain-Portugal MAC 2014-2020 Territorial Cooperation Program, is to contribute to the strengthening of the conservation, protection, promotion and development of natural and cultural heritage associated with the volcanic phenomenon in Macaronesia through tourism volcano and contribute to the diversification of the tourist offer of the four Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, Canary and Cape Verde). To achieve the main objective of this project, nine different activities are proposed and grouped around three main axes: (1) analyze, evaluate and identify the potential of volcano-tourism in Macaronesia; (2) create geo-itineraries and touristic geo-routes that value the natural and cultural resources of the volcanic landscapes of Macaronesia by identifying, selecting, mapping and evaluating geosites, geomorphosites and sites of geotourist interest (SGIs) and (3) promoting and strengthening training on natural and cultural resources linked to the volcanic phenomenon in the tourism.
Geomorphological map of the Bardena Blanca (Navarra, Spain)
The geomorphological map of Bardena Blanca has been prepared from field and cartographic information collected throughout numerous research projects on the geomorphology of Las Bardenas Reales. The main objective is the graphic representation of the morphologies present in the area, classified and ordered chronologically following a standardized legend developed for detailed maps. The map provides morphogenetic and chronostratigraphic data of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits along with their evolutionary interpretation. Knowledge of the influence of climate changes on the geomorphological dynamics of the Bardena Blanca during the Holecene is of great importance to predict regional evolution in the scenario of future climate changes
BIOGEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING OF TROPICAL MANGROVES: COASTLINE OF THE PROVINCE OF CHIRIQUI
The objective of the research is to develop a cartography of biogeomorphological units of the Chiriquí mangrove on the Pacific coast of Panama. For its accomplishment, field work has been developed to support the photointerpretation of aerial photos, and classification of satellite images, the results of which have been presented in cartography supported by a Geographic Information System. As a result, a cartography has been developed with a legend of 14 biogeomorphological units, in which a relationship is established between the plant formations and their geomorphological position in the slikkes and schorre formed by the tidal flow. The evolution during the Holocene of the Chiriquí mangrove has given rise to different biogeomorphological units depending on the natural dynamics of the mangrove.
Territorial settlement patterns in the Yotoco and Sonso phases of the Calima cultures, Colombia
The Calima culture is an archaeologically well known pre-Hispanic society of Colombia, but it lacks studies on the layout of its settlements under the approach of territorial organization. This work proposes a methodology based on three development tools: the theory of sociocultural evolution, iconography and ethnohistory. The cultural context is analyzed on the basis of its geographical location, considering environmental aspects, as well as its chronological development and certain relevant sociocultural characteristics. The territory, as a space transformed by human activity, has its own connotations in pre-Hispanic societies that adapted to their living conditions while adapting to it. In these cultures, the absence of physical vestiges of urban structures is shown as a basic problem in their research. It is in this context where the results of the research on the settlement patterns of the Yotoco and Sonso cultures in the Calima region presented in this paper are inserted.
Geoarchaeological map of el Pichao (Tucumán - Argentina)
The application of geomorphological cartography to geoarchaeological studies is of great interest for the construction of evolutionary models that integrate information on landscape changes with human occupations. The use of drones provides a great advantage for the development of this type of cartography. This map offers detailed information on the geomorphological context of the El Pichao archaeological site, the spatial location of the structures that comprise it, the active morphodynamic processes that affect the site, state of conservation of the complex, and contains detailed information for the conservation of the site. It has been established that the area is at serious risk of heritage loss conditioned by the increase in torrentiality of the system and the processes derived from surface runoff and the action of gravity on the present structures.
Dynamics and Territorial Implementation of Spanish Geography Degrees. A Case Study
Within the framework of decreasing enrollment trends in Spanish Geography Degrees, we analyze the one of the University of Zaragoza with data from its 563 new students between the academic years 2010-11 and 2022-2023. After theoretically presenting the issues addressed, we employ simple graphic and cartographic techniques to track the demand at various scales and establish the socioeconomic profile of the Zaragoza districts where 60% of the students reside. The significant weight of the local environment as the origin of the degree's demand, and the spatial scope of its decline, become evident, as well as the intense masculinization of the student’s gender composition. It is also verified that the relative rates of students vary little but positively and significantly with the aging of their districts of origin but inversely, although significantly as well, with income. We conclude by advocating for more comprehensive analyses to support better strategies for promoting our studies.
areas of influence of undergraduate studies
socio-economic profile of Geography students
Several generations have passed from the 20 pesetas that the first issue of Geographica cost until the free distribution of its contents in its 75th edition. During that time Geographicalia has evolved defining its own personality: being an open scientific space to all geographical matters, nurturing new researchers and relying on what is close to us to reach as far as possible. In this editorial, I invite you to join me in a journey through the 46 years of Geographicalia's history to explain how we have shaped its present and, hopefully, contributed to its future.
Copyright (c) 2023 Geographicalia http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
GEOVACUI-2: Citizen science and cooperative initiatives against depopulation in rural areas
The decline that characterises the demographic dynamics of many rural areas in Spain justifies the need to analyse the factors that trigger it in order to draw up proposals aimed at resolving them. In the Citizen Science projects GEOVACUI 1 and 2, a participatory approach based on the collection of information from direct testimonies of the actors living in and from the rural environment is used. The participatory tools implemented with the aim of constituting a channel for the expression of ideas have made it possible, on the one hand, to identify differentiated discourses on the productive potential of areas with critical demographic situations (GEOVACUI 1). And on the other hand, to build a repository of geolocalised information on initiatives with a positive impact on rural areas in terms of economic and social dynamisation (GEOVACUI 2). These results, in addition to those derived from the development of seminars with social agents, politicians and citizens of the rural environment, materialised in a proposal of recommendations of various kinds - thematic and territorial - for tackling the phenomenon of depopulation.
Monitoring indicators for municipal land management plan. Case of study: Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina
The Institute CIFOT has elaborate the Municipal Land Management Plan of Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina, together with the municipal technical team. This plan was developed between 2019 and 2022 and finally approved in May 2022 by Municipal Ordinance. The aim of this study is to present, on the one hand, the methodology with which the Municipal Plan was elaborated and, on the other hand, to propose a new one for the construction of indicators that could measure the annual progress in the programs and projects proposed in the PMOT at the time of applying the annual Internal Audit
The potential of conservationist use as an instrument for territorial management: a proposal
The municipality is an important unit of territorial planning and management that, despite having defined geographic limits, demands complex management work. The present work aimed to present a proposal for using the PCU methodology for territorial planning purposes, comparing it with other data that could contribute to its refinement, taking the municipality of Itaqui, RS, Brazil as a laboratory. Slope, lithology and pedology data relating to the study area, combined through map algebra, resulted in the spatialization of the PCU. The following were identified in the municipality: 0.19% of very low PCU; 4.63% low; 37.07% average; 47.31% high and 10.81% of areas with very high PCU. The smallest PCU were mostly located close to the main watercourses, while the areas with medium PCU are located in the floodplains of the main rivers. The data obtained was in agreement with pre-existing mappings, having potential for new studies, with greater refinements.