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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
