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        <title>Miscellanea Geographica Feed</title>
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            <title><![CDATA[Maps through the lens of scientific representation theories]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This article examines how contemporary theories of scientific representation can shed light on the status of maps. Traditionally defined as models of geographic reality, maps are increasingly viewed not as mere reflections of the world but as complex representational constructs embedded in theoretical, technological, and communicative contexts. Drawing on key philosophical frameworks – including similarity, structural isomorphism, inferential accounts, and the DEKI model – the paper examines how maps function as tools of cognitive surrogacy rather than direct imitations of space. This approach clarifies the representational mechanisms underlying cartographic practice, including symbolisation, abstraction, and intentionality. The discussion also addresses how recent developments in geoinformation technologies and digital cartography challenge conventional definitions of maps. Ultimately, the paper argues that maps should be seen as epistemic devices that mediate knowledge about the world through interpretive models rather than as neutral depictions of spatial reality.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Rearrangements of NUTS 2 regions in Poland for the purpose of EU Cohesion Policy: possibilities, expectations and controversy]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0050</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The European Union's Cohesion Policy, which aims to reduce social, economic and territorial disparities between regions within the Community, fails to address the increase in disparities between metropolitan and peripheral areas. For this reason, and to increase access to money from this policy, some countries are rearranging their NUTS 2 administrative regions. In this paper, we explore the potential for the reorganisation of the NUTS units in Poland in accordance with current EU legislation, which could increase Cohesion Policy funding. Against the broader context of the aims and efficiency of this policy, we critically assess this possibility, highlighting the controversy that such rearrangements create. Although such shifts are intended to support poorer subregions and are invoked in debates on territorial justice, they also reduce the pool of funds available to wealthier units, thereby limiting their ability to become more competitive.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Variability of chromatic vegetation indices derived from digital repeat photography in the Biebrza Valley]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study presents an application of digital repeat photography to determine seasonal and interannual variability of chromatic vegetation indices of a wetland ecosystem in 2022–2024. The green chromatic coordinate (gcc), along with red (rcc) and blue (bcc), revealed clear seasonal patterns, with the highest gcc values observed in summer and the lowest in winter. Despite similar annual trends, the timing and magnitude of vegetation greening differed significantly during those years. These differences closely followed variations in air temperature and growing degree day sums (GDDS), highlighting the strong influence of thermal conditions on vegetation phenology. The inverse seasonal response of rcc and winter-dominant bcc further reflected physiological changes and snow cover dynamics. While temperature emerged as the primary driver, findings from related studies suggest that other abiotic factors may also play a significant role. Further analysis is needed to fully understand the complex interactions shaping vegetation dynamics in this wetland environment.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Determinants of spatial differentiation in municipal bond issuance in Poland: A county-level analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study explores the drivers of geographical disparities in municipal bond issuance across Poland using a highly granular county-level approach (N=380). It utilises a unique dataset from the Register of Issuer Obligations (RIO), containing all active municipal bonds as of 2024. The data were geocoded and assigned to specific counties (poviats), allowing for the precise identification of local debt determinants. The Global Moran's I test revealed no significant spatial autocorrelation, indicating that bond issuance patterns are driven primarily by local fundamentals rather than spillover effects. Consequently, an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model with heteroscedasticity-consistent (robust) standard errors was employed. The findings confirm that issuance is most strongly associated with high debt service costs and positive net migration (reflecting investment pressure). Conversely, distance from Warsaw and local wealth (PIT revenue) proved to be significant negative determinants, supporting the financial centre–periphery hypothesis and the substitution effect between own revenues and debt financing.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Digital detox as a perspective on the development of domestic tourism in Poland]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0042</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Digital detox has been defined as a voluntary or enforced temporary limitation of the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In the context of contemporary tourism research, it is regarded as both a type of tourism and a tourism product. The aim of this paper is to discuss the attitudes of tourists towards the use of digital detox, including underlying motives, geographical locations and methods of digital detox practice in domestic tourism in Poland, as well as the experience outcomes achieved. The paper presents the results of a thematic analysis of individual interviews conducted in 2024. Five motives were identified, among which the feeling of mental and physical fatigue caused by the extensive use of ICT in daily life was dominant. The factors that contribute to the facilitation of digital detox can be categorised into two distinct domains: the role of the person and the role of the setting and environment. However, a change in the use of ICT in daily life after a temporary digital detox during a tourist trip was shown to be a considerable challenge, frequently proving unfeasible.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Spatial heterogeneity of population distribution in Poland: a geographically weighted regression approach to Zipf's law]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0047</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In this study, we explored the spatial heterogeneity of Zipf's law and its evolution over time using a geographically weighted regression on 380 Polish powiats in 1995, 2004, and 2020. We found that Zipf's law is not supported in Poland since populations are distributed more evenly compared to the optimal case. Estimated Zipf coefficients vary across space, exhibiting substantial heterogeneity. Spatial inequalities seem to be increasing over time.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Internal educational and economic migration and the presence of universities in Peru]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0049</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Internal migration patterns are influenced by inherent individual factors and the specific characteristics of the localities. This study analyses how the presence of universities in cities affects the probability of people migrating across departments in Peru for educational and economic reasons. We combined data on universities on the SUNEDU Register at the department level, from 2009 to 2022, with data on individuals from the National Household Survey. To distinguish between educational and economic migration, two samples were used: households comprising members of higher education age and the whole population. Using this data, logistic econometric models were estimated, including and excluding the Lima Metropolitan area. Our findings suggest that the presence of universities induces both educational migration and migration in general. In addition, our results verify the hypothesis that both universities and the economic development of regions drive migration. However, they do not reinforce each other to influence migration.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Awakening the senses: sensescapes’ mapping and smart surveys on Saint James Way]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0043</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper analyses the role of sensescapes in tourism planning, focusing on smart surveys and GIS mapping and analysis for pilgrimage tourism. A mixed methods approach and primary and secondary sources were used. A methodology was developed to collect and analyse territorial sensorial characteristics across the five main senses by using three main characteristics. A smart survey and GIS desktop and online tools were used to create a heat map. This is one of the first studies using a methodology based on smart surveys to collect sensory data, then using GIS to map and analyse it. By utilizing GIS for data collection and combining all sensory data, this study aims to bridge a gap in the previous research. This paper enhances tourism theory and practice by outlining the current and prospective use of emerging technologies, including smart surveys and GIS heat maps, in the tourism industry.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Unpacking motivations for travel amid the turbulence of the initial COVID-19 pandemic shock]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0039</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study offers a retrospective analysis of holiday travel motivations in Poland following the first wave of COVID-19. Despite the 2020 tourism downturn, travel persisted. Based on a nationwide survey (N = 388), the study explores how the perceived COVID-19 threat influenced actual travel behaviour after the first wave of the pandemic. Two tourist segments emerged: ‘risk-tolerantʼ individuals who continued travelling; and ‘risk-averseʼ tourists who remained cautious but did not fully abstain. Findings show that previous travel experience and low pandemic-related anxiety were key predictors of continued engagement. The desire to compensate for prolonged isolation often outweighed fear of infection. The results confirmed early signals of a swift domestic tourism recovery, later observed across post-pandemic phases. Visible and credible safety measures were essential to rebuild confidence. These findings provide valuable insights into Polish tourist behaviour during the early phase of the pandemic and offer a reference point for understanding crisis-induced behavioural dynamics in tourism.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New Geographies. Polish geographers facing the challenges of the present, the future, and interdisciplinarity]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0046</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This concise introduction discusses the proceedings of the 1st Warsaw Geographical Conference, held in September 2024 at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw. Among the most significant scientific outcomes of this event are the seven papers published in this volume of Miscellanea Geographica – Regional Studies on Development. The research findings contained therein are briefly discussed below. They demonstrate the broad scope of recent geographical research in Poland, the multitude of topics addressed by researchers, and the relevance and strong standing of Polish geography.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Settlement size and the location of primary schools in Poland]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0029</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper draws on detailed demographic and educational data from over 42,400 localities and 13,100 schools in Poland to examine the occurrence and size of schools in different locality size classes. The findings indicate that the presence of schools in smaller localities is closely related to population size, particularly within the 400–700 inhabitant range. The study also shows that average school size is statistically associated with locality size – up to a population of 4,100, roughly. Beyond this threshold, primary school sizes and school size structures tend to be similar across localities of different sizes. The research results confirm that population and settlement conditions are important factors in the functioning of education in small localities, while also suggesting that school networks in large villages and small towns can be optimized with size parameters similar to those found in large cities.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Characteristics of tropical nights in the Warsaw area from 1951 to 2024]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0033</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[An analysis of tropical nights (TNs) – namely, nights during which the air temperature does not fall below 20°C – showed a significant increase in number in the Warsaw metropolitan area during the multiannual period 1951–2024, especially since the late 1980s. Over the course of a year, TNs occurred from May to August, most often in July (47% of cases), but they are becoming increasingly common from as early as June. TNs have been observed to occur increasingly frequently in sequences of several days – of up to five in a row. There were 20 cases when TNs occurred at all four stations studied at the same time, and as many as 16 of these were noted in 2010–2024. The greatest number of TNs were recorded at stations in the centre of Warsaw, close to built-up areas, and the lowest at stations far from the centre, confirming that the urban heat island has a significant influence on the occurrence of TNs.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Spatial differentiation of the results of the International Geography Olympiad]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0038</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The aim of the article is to determine the spatial differentiation of iGeo results and to identify its key determinants. Using inferential statistics, we compared contestant success in this competition from 2015 to 2023. The findings indicate significant differences in performance, with states in different macroregions reflecting different levels of success on the written, fieldwork and multimedia tests. The findings highlight the influence of economic, educational and urbanization factors on geographical knowledge and skills, suggesting a complex interplay of regional characteristics affecting student outcomes. Therefore, a broad-based approach to geographical education is required to account for the diverse factors contributing to spatial differences in student performance.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Colonial forts and castles in twenty-first-century Ghana – spatial and functional layout in rapidly changing urban tissue]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0045</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The objective of this article is to determine the contemporary functions of forts and castles built by Europeans on the coast of Ghana and to identify their place in the spatial and functional structure of modern-day settlement units. The considerations are based on field research conducted in 2022. First, the analysis covered the following attributes of the sites: accessibility, inclusion on the UNESCO List, and past and contemporary functions. Next, five types of forts were distinguished, based on their placement and surroundings. The sites analysed fulfil a number of functions, such as residential, hotel and artistic, while the tourist function, albeit common, is visible in less than half of the cases. The majority of the forts are falling into disrepair; this depends on their placement, location and the function they fulfil, as well as action (or lack thereof) on the part of the authorities to protect difficult colonial heritage.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Household food waste in selected Central European countries]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0034</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This article aims to indicate similarities and differences in consumer attitudes and behaviours in relation to household food waste in three selected EU member states: Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The analysis in this study suggests that the key reasons for wasting food in households in all three countries include food spoilage and exceeding the expiry date. Managing surplus food by preparing other dishes was a solution reported twice as frequently for women as for men. This tendency was present in the surveyed group of households in all three countries. In households run by younger people, food was thrown away twice as often as in those managed by people over 65. The solution that involved giving away surplus groceries was definitely more frequently used by households located in rural areas. There were statistically significant differences between the analysed countries in terms of the shopping methods used.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Unplanned tram disruptions in Wrocław: a spatial and cartographic analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0030</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[An analysis of tram track conditions in Wrocław was conducted, focusing on the locations and causes of unplanned tram stoppages. Records of such incidents are not maintained in a standardized manner. In 2019, a total of 1,084 incidents were reported and described using over 100 distinct terms. The description of the location of these events was often limited to the street name. Of these incidents, 109 stoppages were attributed to track damage. In approximately 10% of these unplanned stoppages, the condition of the railhead played a crucial role – an area over which infrastructure managers have significant influence. To assess the spatial distribution of these stoppages, a map illustrating their occurrence was developed. Cumulative diagrams for each street were plotted on this map and overlaid with track condition data. The application of spatial data analysis provided valuable insights into the patterns and determinants of unplanned tram stoppages.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mapping social inequalities: access to public services in Warsaw]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0025</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In this study, we evaluated public service accessibility across Warsaw’s Municipal Information System (MSI) areas, analyzing access to health, education, and green spaces using GIS and spatial buffers. The results show considerable disparities between central and peripheral areas. In districts such as Śródmieście and Ochota, MSI areas in the city centre, offer better access, while peripheral regions, such as Białołęka and Wawer, have limited access. These findings have highlighted the need for sustainable planning and targeted investments in growing areas to reduce inequalities and improve residents’ quality of life.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Evaluating machine learning models for air quality error mapping in Kraków, Poland]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0026</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Accurate air quality prediction is essential for sustainable urban development. This study evaluates the performance of machine learning models, including DLinear and XGBoost, in comparison with the traditional Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) method for predicting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Kraków, Poland. A dense network of low-cost sensors was used to generate high-resolution spatial and temporal data. Prediction errors were analysed using the Getis-Ord Gi* spatial statistics method during both extreme pollution events and low pollution days. The results indicate that DLinear achieved the lowest root mean square error (RMSE = 3.8 µg/m3), followed by XGBoost (RMSE = 6.7 µg/m3) and ARIMA (RMSE = 9.2 µg/m3). The spatial distribution of errors highlights the influence of environmental factors, such as humidity and proximity to water bodies, on model accuracy. These findings show the limitations of current prediction models and emphasize the need for spatially adaptive approaches to improve pollution.]]></description>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Using Big Data to optimize dynamic ambulance availability maps: bridging the gap in emergency services]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0028</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In this study, we explore the use of Big Data to dynamically optimize ambulance availability and response times in emergency medical services (EMS). Integrating Big Data principles with the Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) routing engine, a novel algorithm was used to calculate travel times across an irregular grid, creating real-time, colour-coded time-accessibility maps. In contrast with traditional static models, this approach updates dynamically, accounting for road conditions, accidents and other disruptions to minimize delays. By excluding unusable segments from calculations, the algorithm ensures rapid recalculations, maintaining EMS coverage in evolving conditions. Testing showed significant improvements in response time estimation and resource allocation, particularly in urban environments with complex road networks. This real-time mapping tool offers EMS dispatchers an enhanced decision-support system, potentially saving lives by reducing ambulance response times and improving service availability across diverse areas.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cross-border cooperation as a factor of tourism development in Poland's border areas]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/mgrsd-2025-0037</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The scientific literature demonstrates that cross-border cooperation can play an essential role in the development of tourism in border areas. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether cross-border collaboration has influenced the development of tourism in Poland and, if so, in what way. The article examines EU cross-border cooperation programmes in the 2014–2020 period and describes projects that stimulate tourism. The evolution of cross-border cooperation institutions is described, as well as their function in tourism development. An empirical study was undertaken using national and EU documents as well as information gathered from entities involved in collaboration. All programmes contained provisions for fostering tourism development. The project outcomes included creating tourism products, conducting marketing activities, improving tourist infrastructure and providing staff training. Euroregions played a significant role in encouraging tourism activities. The fragile geopolitical scenario impacts cross-border cooperation and travel, highlighting the need for ongoing research in this field.]]></description>
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