GIS analysis of agricultural land use in mountain communities in Zakarpattia Region

GIS Technologies and AI for Decision-Making and Management

Authors

First and Last Name Academic degree E-mail Affiliation
Vasyl Leta Ph.D. v.leta [at] mail.msu.edu.ua Mukachevo state University
Mukachevo, Ukraine
Mykola Karabiniuk Ph.D. mykola.karabiniuk [at] uzhnu.edu.ua Uzhhorod National University
Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Vitalia Chyniak Ph.D. vitalia.chyniak [at] uzhnu.edu.ua Uzhhorod National University
Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Vasyl Roman No vasyl.roman [at] uzhnu.edu.ua Uzhhorod National University
Uzhhorod, Ukraine

I and my co-authors (if any) authorize the use of the Paper in accordance with the Creative Commons CC BY license

First published on this website: 27.08.2026 - 14:04
Abstract 

The rational use of agricultural land in Ukraine’s mountain communities has become a challenge in the context of socio-economic transformations and climate change. In view of this, the territory of Zakarpattia Region, which is characterised by challenging natural conditions and significant anthropogenic pressure – and consequently by the heightened susceptibility of its agricultural landscapes to erosion processes and loss of productivity – is of particular relevance for studying the main trends and challenges in the use of agricultural land. The study integrates cadastral statistics (Form 6, as at 1 January 2016) with modern GIS technologies (ArcGIS 10.8.2) for the spatial analysis of land-use patterns. The methodology combines statistical indicators of land use categories (arable land, pastures, hayfields, perennial plantations) with geoinformation mapping tools. The results revealed significant differences in land-use patterns between communities in Zakarpattia Region, as well as a correlation between the proportion of arable land and pasture and the elevation profile of the territory. The proposed approach enables the assessment of long-term trends and the forecasting of risks of degradation caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. The findings provide a scientific basis for strategies to optimise land use, prevent erosion and ensure the sustainable development of agricultural systems in mountainous regions.

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