Igor Žiberna
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.09
UDC: 911.58:528.7“2019/2024“(497.4 Kranj)
Abstract: Surface urban heat island in Kranj
The article examines the shape, intensity, and seasonal regime of the surface urban heat island (SUHI) in Kranj. The analysis is based on data obtained through remote sensing from the Landsat 8 satellite. Seasonal variations in the urban heat island are presented, and the impact of land use on its intensity is also assessed. The study identifies areas in Kranj with higher levels of overheating and highlights the important mitigating effects of green spaces within the urban area and its surroundings.
Key words
Urban climate, surface urban heat island, heat load, Kranj
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 09-33
Boris Avdić
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.35
UDC: 371.3:911.5/.9GIS
Abstract: Educational benefits of integrating GIS into geography teaching
This study explores the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in modern geography education. GIS fosters the development of spatial literacy and critical thinking skills through interactive and visual learning methods. It connects students with real-world geographical contexts, encouraging active participation and interdisciplinary reasoning, which enhances comprehensive understanding of spatial relationships. GIS promotes inquiry-based learning by enabling question formulation, data analysis, and hypothesis development, thus shaping competent individuals capable of addressing global challenges. Despite its numerous benefits, barriers such as e.g. a lack of teacher training and limited resources hinder widespread adoption. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for the successful integration of GIS into the curriculum. Overall, GIS is a vital tool for advancing geography education and preparing students to actively participate in society, especially in a digitally oriented world.
Keywords
geographical education, GIS, learning process, geoliteracy, skills development
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 35-57
Tim Gregorčič, Lena Kropivšek, Irma Potočnik Slavič
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.59
UDC: 911.373GIS“2023/2025“(497.4)
Abstract: Operational insights related to mapping and analysing rural place (dis)amenities
This study employs collaborative mapping to identify the amenities and disamenities associated with living and working in the Slovenian rural areas, with a focus on the Košana Valley and the Upper Pivka as a case study. We conceptualize an amenity as a spatial quality or characteristic that enhances the attractiveness of a location for rural habitation and work, determined not solely by quantitative measures but also shaped by individual perceptions and mental representations. The survey on (dis)amenities was conducted over three consecutive years with a single target group comprising 109 geography students. In total, 670 amenities (classified in 10 categories) and 521 disamenities (classified in 11 categories), were geolocated, described, assigned a value and documented photographically. A systematically designed methodological approach—encompassing the preparation of ArcGIS Online data base, prefieldwork preparation, fieldwork execution, and post-processing with both exploratory and explanatory analyses —enabled the application of advanced and more complex cluster spatial analyses. Key outcomes are interpreted in terms of: (1) practical relevance for use by local authorities, decision-makers, land use planners, and the general public), (2) didactic potential of collective mapping; and (3) methodological implications for the analysis and visualization of collective mapping data.
Keywords
amenity, disamenity, collective mapping, Košana Valley, Upper Pivka, Slovenia
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 59-85
Dževad Mešanović, Edin Hadžimustafić
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.87
UDC: 911.3[314.96:316.344.32GIS]“1953/2013“(497.6)
Abstract: Gender disparity in literacy among the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The study examines gender disparities in literacy among the male and female population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study utilizes data from the national population censuses of 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2013. Illiteracy rates, computer literacy, and Sopher's disparity index were calculated to quantify differences in literacy rates between males and females. Variations in literacy rates across municipalities and cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina were also analysed. within the municipalities/cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research incorporates geographic information systems (GIS) to process and analyse population literacy data. The resulting geospatial data were subjected to analytical-synthetic processing using the R programming language and subsequently visualized cartographically. Several thematic maps were generated to illustrate temporal and spatial changes in literacy levels, providing a comprehensive overview of literacy dynamics and gender disparities across the country.
Keywords
Educational structure, literacy, Sopher's disparity index, programming language R, Geographic Information System, Bosnia and Herzegovina
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 87-108
Blaž Repe
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.109
UDC: 37[911.2:631.4](497.4)
Abstract: Soil geography in Slovenia from primary school to university
Soil geography has a long-standing tradition in Slovenian education. From primary school through university, the topic of soils is primarily addressed within geography curricula. On the one hand, the curriculum covers general aspects of soils including structure, properties, formation factors; on the other hand, soils are integrated into the study of regional geography of Slovenia, Europe, and the world, focusing on distribution, agricultural importance, degradation, and soils as a natural resource. Beyond geography, soil-related topics are also discussed in natural sciences, biology, and various vocational education programs, such as environmental education, agriculture, and horticulture. Despite its importance, soil is neither a central nor a particularly popular subject. Several factors contribute to this situation. A primary challenge is the limited and insufficient knowledge of teachers regarding soils. Additionally, there exists considerable confusion at all educational levels in Slovenia concerning soil-related terminology. A fundamental issue lies in the inconsistent use of the term “soil.” In Slovenia, multiple terms are employed to describe essentially the same natural phenomenon. Other challenges include the absence of an official, standardized Slovenian soil classification, the occasional use of outdated soil materials in primary and secondary education, the imprecise application of international soil nomenclature, and the limited specialized education on soils at the tertiary level.
The ongoing curricular revision scheduled for 2024 is expected to mitigate some of these issues, ensuring that students receive more thorough and professionally grounded instruction on soil-related topics. Complementary initiatives may further improve the teaching and understanding of soils across educational levels.
Keywords
soils, soil classification, WRB, school vertical, curricular reform
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 50, Year 2024. pg. 109-129
Simon Kerma
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.131
UDC: 338.48-53:63”2021/2023”(497.4)
Abstract: Farm tourism in Slovenia – perspectives and development challenges
Farm tourism in Slovenia represents an important complement to the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to more easily market their own produce and products, provide partial or full employment for household members, and generate additional income. It also promotes more efficient use of available farm resources, contributes to the vitality of agricultural holdings and rural communities, helps preserve the cultural landscape and rural settlement, and adds value to agricultural products and services. All of this is crucial for the sustainable development of rural areas. Moreover, it fosters closer intersectoral cooperation and strengthens trust and relationships between farms and consumers. Farm tourism establishments also serve as custodians of Slovenia’s culinary heritage and culture. This paper presents the selected results of an extensive and rather complex study conducted from early 2021 to early 2023. Its purpose was to identify the main characteristics of tourist farms, analysing their offerings and determining their needs in relation to integration into broader tourism programmes and services. We conducted the survey among the holders of supplementary activities or their immediate family members; in many cases, several family members participated in the discussion, particularly when responding to open-ended questions and providing final comments. Direct, onsite surveying proved to be an invaluable source of information, enriched by personal interaction and on-location observation of the tourist farms. We also conducted a survey among visitors to tourist farms in Slovenia, which provided us with some important insights into expectations and motivations in relation to what tourist farms have to offer.
Keywords
Farm tourism, rural areas, sustainable development, Slovenia
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 131-149
Goran Kitevski
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2024.52.151
UDC: 911.3:32”2017/2025”(497.7:497.2)
Abstract: The French proposal and North Macedonia’s european perspective: a political geography
This paper examines the so-called French Proposal, a diplomatic framework specifically designed to overcome Bulgaria’s veto and facilitate the continuation of North Macedonia’s accession process to the European Union. The proposal’s most contested element is the requirement to amend North Macedonia’s Constitution to explicitly include Bulgarians as a constituent people —an obligation that serves as a gateway for opening a broader negotiation process. This requirement is embedded within a broader framework that incorporates the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation, thereby elevating a long standing bilateral dispute to the level of a formal EU accession criterion. By integrating identity-related and historical disputes into the negotiation process, the proposal effectively Europeanizes a bilateral issue. This study argues that the constitutional amendment represents only one aspect of a deeper and enduring challenge: the identity-based dispute with Bulgaria, now institutionalized within the EU framework, will remain a decisive factor influencing both the pace and prospects of North Macedonia’s European integration.
Keywords
French proposal, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, European Union, Good-neighborliness
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 52, Year 2025. pg. 151-173