GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN HUMANITARIAN DEMINING: HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT, AND MODERNITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2025.63.85-92Keywords:
geodata, GIS, demining methods, mine contamination, spatial analysis, sustainable developmentAbstract
B a c k g r o u n d . The history of mankind is a history of warfare, during which the tools and procedures of warfare have been constantly improved. On the scale of human history, the history of modern mines is short, barely two centuries. Despite this relatively short period, landmines have become a global problem for humanity, causing long-lasting social, environmental, and economic consequences. Despite advances in scientific and technological progress, there is still no method that fully meets international mine action standards. In most cases, the development of related information technologies, in particular geographic information systems (GIS), has remained largely on the sidelines and auxiliary, although it is certainly promising.
M e t h o d s . General scientific and specialized research methods were employed. The semantic approach was used to clarify the concept and subject area of GIS. The historical approach examined the stages of GIS development and their periodization. The definition method identified the subject area of GIS applications in humanitarian demining. The analysis and evolutionary approach explored examples of GIS applications at different stages of humanitarian demining and their improvements alongside the development of GIS and related technologies. Geographic information technologies for spatial analysis and modelling were applied to solve practical problems of humanitarian demining at various stages. Finally, induction and analysis were used to draw conclusions about the current state, trends, and prospects of GIS applications in humanitarian demining.
R e s u l t s . Examples of the application of GIS solutions and spatial analysis methods at different stages of humanitarian demining are presented. The impact of GIS innovations on humanitarian demining is highlighted. The current state of GIS applications in humanitarian demining and prospects for further development are also discussed.
C o n c l u s i o n s . GIS has become an effective and reliable tool for ensuring comprehensive information provision with relevant spatial data at all stages of humanitarian demining. The initial use of GIS was primarily focused on assisting with non-technical surveys. The current stage of development is characterized by an active search for spatial methods to analyze geodata obtained from UAVs and remote sensing for technical surveys. The development of spatial data infrastructures and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) methods with GIS analytical functions appear particularly promising.
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