In this paper we performed flood frequency analysis by using L-moments and annual maximum series data from two hydrological stations on the Rasina River (Brus and Bivolje), for the 1961-2020 period. Homogeneity testing confirmed that the basin can be considered hydrologically homogeneous (V-i = 0.38 < 1). Five probability distributions - Normal, Log-Normal, Gumbel, Pearson Type III, and Log-Pearson Type III - were tested to identify the best-fit model. An L-moment ratio diagram and Z-statistics indicate that all distributions satisfy the test criteria, with Log-Pearson Type III showing the best overall fit for the region (Z = 0.09). Goodness-of-fit tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cramer-von Mises, and x(2)) confirmed Log-Pearson Type III as the best fit at the Brus station and Pearson Type III at the Bivolje station. Theoretical flood quantiles were calculated for various return periods (T-year floods). Mann-Kendall trend analysis indicated a significant decreasing discharge trend at Bivolje (-1.28 m(3)/s per year).

study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of aridity indices to determine climatic conditions in regions of southern and eastern Serbia in the period 1961-2022. We used the mean monthly and annual air temperature and precipitation data obtained from nine meteorological stations in the study area. Three indices were used to quantify aridity: the de Martonne aridity index, the Emberger index and the Pinna combinative index. Calculations are carried out on an annual scale for all the indices mentioned. The results show large territorial differences in the de Martonne aridity index, which distinguishes between two climate types on an annual basis. The Emberger index is characterized by humid climate types for all meteorological stations in the area. The Pinna combinative index also indicates humid conditions in the entire area, although the annual values of the index vary considerably. There was no change in the trend of aridity in the study area during the period of investigation. The spatial distribution was determined via the inverse distance weighting interpolated method. The Mann-Kendall test indicated that the aridity trends at all the meteorological stations were not statistically significant.

Long-term monitoring of temperature thresholds and heat stress indicators reveals significant shifts in the growing season across Serbia. Using daily temperature data from 24 meteorological stations, this study analyzes changes in the onset, cessation, and duration of growing seasons defined by 5 °C, 10 °C, and 15 °C thresholds over two climatological periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020). Trends in Growing Degree Days (GDD) and heat stress indicators, including the Heat Stress Index (HSI) and Days of Heat Stress (Dhs), further illustrate the impacts of rising temperatures. Results indicate a significant advancement in the start of the growing season, averaging − 7.8, − 4.4, and − 8.7 days for the respective thresholds. The duration of warm-season conditions (≥ 15 °C) has increased across all stations, with the most pronounced extensions in mountainous regions, where high-altitude ecosystems now exhibit thermal characteristics similar to past lowland climates. Rising GDD values suggest enhanced thermal accumulation, extending vegetation activity but also increasing risks such as hydrological stress, altered species composition, and shifting pest dynamics. The study highlights the intensification of extreme heat events, particularly in 2007 and 2012, marking peak heat stress conditions across Serbia. These findings align with broader Southeastern and Central European climate trends, underscoring the need for expanded environmental monitoring through meteorological networks, remote sensing, and cross-regional climate data integration. Strengthening long-term climate and phenological observation systems is essential for understanding climate-driven ecological changes and developing sustainable adaptation strategies.

In the present time, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely used in all segments of spatial and urban planning. In this paper, the possibilities of using GIS in the analysis of spatial accessibility and dispersion of tourist content in an urban settlement will be considered. The analysis covers the urban area of the City of Prokuplje. QGIS was used with the compatible OpenStreetmaps platform in vector format to create a database of attractive tourist content and advanced spatial-urban analysis. By determining the transport accessibility of attractive tourist facilities and creating tourist isochronous maps, geoinformatics support was provided for decision-making in the planning and zoning of tourist attractions. The presented conceptual framework of the application of GIS in the analysis of urban tourist contents can contribute to the improvement of the practice of urban planning.

The study analyzed spatial and temporal patterns and trends of aridity indices in southern and eastern Serbia from 1971 to 2022. Temperature and precipitation data from eight meteorological stations were used to quantify five aridity indices: the de Martonne Aridity Index, Lang Rain Factor, Pinna Combinative Index, Lobova Aridity Index, and Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient. Calculations for the de Martonne Aridity Index were performed on annual, seasonal, and monthly scales, while the Lang Rain Factor was calculated on an annual scale and during the vegetation period (April to October). Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient is calculated on the monthly scale and for the vegetation period, with the other indices calculated annually. The results reveal notable regional differences in the de Martonne Aridity Index, distinguishing between two, three, and five climate types on an annual, seasonal, and monthly basis, respectively. The Lang Rain Factor characterizes semiarid and temperate warm climates at an annual scale, while at a monthly level (the Gračanin Rain Factor), an arid and semiarid climate predominates. The Pinna Combinative Index indicates humid conditions, whereas the Lobova Aridity Index reflects arid conditions across the study area. Selyanin’s hydrothermal coefficient shows its lowest values ​​in August at all meteorological stations. During the vegetation period, this index indicates slightly dry climate conditions at two stations (Negotin and Niš) and slightly humid and moderately humid conditions at other stations. During the vegetation period, this index indicates slightly dry conditions at two stations (Negotin and Niš) and slightly to moderately humid conditions at other locations. The Pearson correlation coefficient reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between the indices, with particularly strong correlations between the de Martonne Aridity Index and both the Lobova Aridity Index and Lang Rain Factor. The inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation method was applied to visualize the results of the aridity indices across the study area. The Mann-Kendall test showed that aridity trends at all meteorological stations were not statistically significant.

Railways that were once utilized by conventional speed trains but now lay technologically outdated and neglected are scarcely in use today, with many lying abandoned. These rail networks sprawl across vast areas, posing a substantial impediment to sustainable land use and management. Our research advocates for the adoption of tourist itinerary/route as a viable model for the transformation of abandoned railways into sustainable and functional systems. This innovative concept involves repurposing abandoned railways into tourist itineraries with the aim of utilizing them for tourism and commercial ventures. Recognizing a knowledge gap, particularly the absence of scientifically grounded models, on a selected case study (abandoned regional railway number 223 in the Toplica District, Serbia), we develop and present a model for the identification and Tourist Evaluation of Abandoned Railways (TEAR model). The defined model comprises a total of 27 sub-indicators categorized into four groups of indicators: natural tourist values (NV), anthropogenic tourist values (AV), tourist attractiveness of the railway (TA), and functional values (FV). The findings from the TEAR model suggest that the abandoned railway holds significant tourism value, with a rating of ≥0.7. Specifically, three sets of indicators—NV, AV, and TA—indicate a high level of tourist values (≥0.7), while FV falls within a moderate range of tourist values (0.4 ≤ V < 0.7). This endeavor not only supports sustainable local and regional development but also contributes to the enhancement of rural landscapes and the revitalization of rural areas. Importantly, this initiative aligns directly and indirectly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus fostering progress towards broader economic, societal, and environmental objectives.

This paper assessed aridity and humidity conditions in Bačka (north Serbia) in the period 1949–2018. The assessment was based on the analysis of air temperature and total precipitation from 5 meteorological stations. Spatio-temporal changes were determined based on aridity indices, statistical and interpolation procedures. The Mann–Kendall indicates no statistical significance in aridity trends at most stations. The annual value of the Lobova index indicates arid conditions. Monthly values of the De Martonne index (IDM) do not show a statistically significant positive or negative trend, except for May, September to December. The annual values of the IDM indicate diversity of aridity conditions with a statistically significant positive trend on annual level only at one station (Sombor). Dry and wet years are equally distributed based on Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI). The 2010 belongs to extremely wet category while the 2000 stands out as extremely dry. Statistically significant positive aridity trend was observed for RAI on annual level for two stations (Palić and Sombor). According to interpolation technique, annual and seasonal values of the IDM belong to humid and semi-humid conditions. The spatial variability of the RAI is between normal and slightly dry. The Lobova index shows different patterns of aridity. This study provides insight into the dynamics of aridity, and its results can be used in planning and implementing climate change adaptation measures. Since agricultural productivity is highly dependent on aridity and drought conditions, agricultural activities face numerous challenges. Therefore, the presented results can provide a solid basis for designing and implementing adaptation strategies and interventions on a regional scale in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change and aridity on agricultural production in the studied region.

Most high-mountain regions worldwide are susceptible to snow avalanches during the winter or all year round. In this study, a Universal Snow Avalanche Modeling Index is developed, suitable for determining avalanche hazard in mountain regions. The first step in the research is the collection of data in the field and their processing in geographic information systems and remote sensing. In the period 2023–2024, avalanches were mapped in the field, and later, avalanches as points in geographic information systems (GIS) were overlapped with the dominant natural conditions in the study area. The second step involves determining the main criteria (snow cover, terrain slope, and land use) and evaluating the values to obtain the Snow Avalanche Formation Index (SAFI). Thresholds obtained through field research and the formation of avalanche inventory were used to develop the SAFI index. The index is applied with the aim of identifying locations susceptible to avalanche formation (source areas). The values used for the calculation include Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI > 0.6), terrain slope (20–60°) and land use (pastures, meadows). The third step presents the analysis of SAFI locations with meteorological conditions (winter precipitation and winter air temperature). The fourth step is the modeling of the propagation (simulation) of other parts of the snow avalanche in the Flow-R software 2.0. The results show that 282.9 km2 of the study area (Šar Mountains, Serbia) is susceptible to snow avalanches, with the thickness of the potentially triggered layer being 50 cm. With a 5 m thick snowpack, 299.9 km2 would be susceptible. The validation using the ROC-AUC method confirms a very high predictive power (0.94). The SAFI–Flow-R approach offers snow avalanche modeling for which no avalanche inventory is available, representing an advance for all mountain areas where historical data do not exist. The results of the study can be used for land use planning, zoning vulnerable areas, and adopting adequate environmental protection measures.

One of the aspects that is increasingly considered when choosing a tourist destination is the importance of local gastronomy. Gastronomy has become an important tourist resource and a part of the cultural heritage. Gastronomy and tourism have an inextricable link (as part of local culture, as a tourist attraction, as a tourist product and as a tourist experience). It is an important factor in choosing a tourist destination and is in third place among the reasons why tourists decide to visit the destination, after natural and cultural values. This meant the development of a new tourist form, the so-called "gastronomic tourism". Research on gastronomic tourism is scarce. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) considers that gastronomic tourism is insufficiently promoted. In this regard, this paper will study the relationships between motivation, gastronomic experiences, satisfaction with the destination, and loyalty, using the example of Serbia as a tourist destination. In order to achieve this, a survey was conducted among tourists throughout Serbia (at tourist centers in all regions of Serbia). This allowed us to understand the motivations that arise from specific behaviors and attitudes towards this tourist destination. The results show us that there is a positive impact of culinary experiences on gastronomic satisfaction and loyalty to the destination, as well as the impact of gastronomic motivation on perceived value and culinary experiences. It can be concluded that gastronomic experiences are the backbone of the motivation and subsequent satisfaction and loyalty of travelers in a tourist destination. Serbia's tourist destinations are among the 100 most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. This is why tourism is one of the strategic drivers of economic development in Serbia.

Understanding the processes that act as key factors of dynamics in the vegetation cover shows a benefi t in the analysis of recent changes as well as adaptation measures to the future impacts. This is a challenge as vegetation changes can be caused by a complex of factors, varying from: global externalities (e.g. demands of single market and environmental policies) to local influences and pressures (e.g. population growth and infrastructure development). The paper analyzes the spatio-temporal dynamics of changes in vegetation cover and land use in Bačka (1990-2018). Changes were detected on the basis of remote sensing, i.e. using the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) database during the analyzed periods. The CORINE remote sensing program combined with the GIS tool indicates a low intensity of changes (>90% of the vegetation cover is without changes in terms of vegetation creation and reduction). In relation to the classes of land use, in the structure of the vegetation cover of Bačka, the areas under broad-leaved forests, the transitional woodland shrub have a dominant share. Within the mentioned classes, no significant changes in vegetation were detected. An important factor that threatens the sustainability of the vegetation cover is the combined impact of anthropogenic pressures (deforestation) with unfavorable natural conditions in certain parts of Bačka (aeolian erosion). For these reasons, it would be desirable to analyze the state of the vegetation cover after the Second World War and the changes caused by industrialization and urbanization, and compare with the interpreted results. In future studies, it would be necessary to compare the determined results with similar indicators (such as the NDVI index).

Recent climate changes represent one of the largest environmental issues and the cause of climate extremes such as drought and aridity. The subject of the paper is the interpretation of aridity conditions in Bačka using the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI). The paper uses monthly and annual precipitation values (1990-2018) from five meteorological stations. The analyzed parameters were taken and calculated based on the Meteorological Yearbooks of the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHSS). The spatial distribution of RAI is presented using interpolation based on QGIS software v3.18. In the case of negative precipitation anomalies (drought events) at the meteorological station (MS) Bački Petrovac, 2000 (-1.74) and 2017 (-1.47) were moderately dry. On the MS Bečej, only 2000 was moderately dry (-1.65). In the case of MS Novi Sad, two years were moderately dry - 2000 (-1.71) and 2011 (-1.29). On the MS Palić, only 2000 was moderately dry (-1.74). On the MS Sombor, 2000 (-1.68) and 2011 (-1.08) were moderately dry. The category normal is represented continuously (from 1991-1998 and 2006-2009). In the case of positive precipitation anomalies (wet events) on MS Bački Petrovac, 2000 was very wet (2.31), while 2011 (1.32) and 2017 (1.95) were moderately wet. At MS Bečej during 2000, there was slightly less humidity compared to MS Bački Petrovac (2.19). On the MS Novi Sad, 1990 (1.32), 1993 (1.20), 2002 (1.14), 2011 (1.74) and 2012 (1.11) were moderately wet. At MS Palić, 2000 belongs to the very wet category (2.34), while 2011 (1.17) and 2012 (1.05) are moderately wet. On the example of MS Sombor, the wettest year was also recorded - 2000 (2.25). The values of moderately wet years range from 1.02 (1990) to 1.44 (2011). The spatial distribution of the index indicates the diversity of climatic conditions in terms of dry and wet events. The presented results can represent the basis for planning regional development policy from the perspective of climate change adaptation measures.

The relationship between geodiversity and biodiversity is often considered within geoecological frameworks. Their interaction within real space forms the natural structure of landscapes. Although they are defined as two separate and equivalent systems with different structures, their relationship makes them interdependent, with geospatial distribution being the common point of contact. The term "geodiversity" is relatively recent, defined as the desire to express the opponent of the diversity of the living world - biodiversity. Thus, through a holistic concept, it is possible to observe multiple levels of interaction between geodiversity and biotic resources, revealing their interrelationship. The challenges of researching both geodiversity and biodiversity are characterized by similar shortcomings. Based on the previous researches of different authors, the work aims to define in the best possible way a biotic-abiotic relationship as an essential component in the concept of nature, the sphere of their connection and joint action. However, due to the numerous fields of their interaction, the work only partially defines them, without analyzing each field of interaction, in detail. In addition, the connection of these two concepts also requires interdisciplinary cooperation, the goal of which must be to improve the understanding of biodiversity and geodiversity, and their integration in evaluation, with the common goal of protecting and preserving nature as a whole and its individual parts. To a significant extent, these can be addressed through the application of geoinformatics tools, methods, and techniques, especially Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which offer the possibility of more adequate evaluation and interpretation of results.

Toplica district represents an area in Southern Serbia with significant forms of geoheritage that have not been valorized yet. The aim of this pioneering study is to systematically analyze and evaluate all manifestations of the geodiversity in the Toplica district. Based on the geological importance, degree of attractiveness, and size, a total of six geosites were selected. The main goal of the study is to emphasize the insufficient utilization of huge geotourism potentials of the Toplica district and to determine the current geotourism development and geotourism potential of evaluated geosites. The geotourism suitability of each geosite is defined through comparative analysis. The Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) is used to assess the current state of the various elements of geodiversity in the study area. Positioning within the GAM matrix is defined by the values of the investigated parameters. Visualization of the distribution of the GAM indicators is an innovative approach for the interpretation of the obtained results. As a projection of the geotourism potential, the study presents the results of the traffic accessibility of geosites using the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based isochronous method. GIS and Digital Terrain Models are used in the visualization of the research area. The results of GAM apostrophize the current tourist value of Devil’s City, while the isochron analysis of GIS highlights the great geotourism potential of publicly little-known and touristically unaffirmed geosites. The results represent a basis that can support the affirmation of geotourism, the improvement of existing, and the development of new geotourism strategies in the Toplica district.

At a time when tourism in Serbia represents a major segment of its economic development, COVID-19 has hit the tourism industry hard both locally and globally, and thus has affected the country's economic condition and its development prospects. The government of the Republic of Serbia has taken a number of measures to combat the epidemic and to recover tourism. In order to assess whether these measures have been effective and to what extent they have contributed to the sustainability of tourism as an important economic contributor, field research was conducted on 110 owners of catering and tourist facilities in attractive tourist destinations in Serbia. Statistical analysis provided precise data on the decline in the number of tourists during the epidemic, as well as whether and to what extent these consequences were mitigated by a set of measures adopted by the government of the Republic of Serbia. It was concluded that, in the first five months of 2020, the influx of tourists decreased by almost 50% compared to the same period of the previous year (2019). According to the survey, the recovery of the tourism sector will take at least twelve months, so the measures that are being implemented must have long-term effects.

This paper points out the possibilities of better exploitation of marine traffic as well as its connection with other kinds of traffic. Special attention is given to the analysis of 1,081 harbors about their availability during the year. The methods and algorithms used in GIS are buffers, cluster, method of interpolations, and network analysis. The methods used for the purpose of conducting numerical analyses are algorithms that served for the analysis of the network, its transport features, and the connectivity with harbors in terms of geospace. The main results found in this research showed that harbors have good connectivity in the first place with road traffic and after that with air and railroad traffic. According to data from 2019, all traffic lines cover 4.1 × 10 15 km, and the road traffic has the most significant potential in connection with the harbors. The most connected harbors and airports are in the east coast of North America, west coast, north Europe, southern Europe, south-east Australia, a central part of Oceania, and south-east Africa. The results in the modified Likert scale between airports and harbors showed medium results. The densest road network is located in the eastern part of USA, western and central part of Europe, and east coast of China. The number of possible connected lines between main road nodes and harbors is 0.8 × 10 9 . This type of traffic showed excellent results and connection with harbors. The number of possible connected lines per month between railroads and harbors is 1.3 × 10 3 . This type of traffic showed low connectivity with the harbors. In the end comparison of harbors with air, road and railroad networks were established. The geographical position of harbors was analyzed, and better understanding was performed on a global scale.

Abandoned mines can pose a major environmental hazard. At the beginning of the 21st century, significant steps were taken all around the world in order to protect these historically valuable complexes, and the mining heritage was recognized as a potential for the development of alternative tourism. This exploration covers mines in the Kopaonik Mountain area. Mining on this mountain began in ancient times. It has developed throughout history, and today only one mine is active. Three abandoned (Gvozdac, Suvo Rudište and Raičeva Gora) and one active mine (Belo Brdo-Zaplanina) are the subject of research. The basic aim of the research is twofold. The estimation of geo-tourist values was performed using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), and the ecological status assessment WAS performed according to the standard model based on negative and positive values. Based on the applied methods, it was concluded that mines (geosites) have a high level of natural characteristics, and that differences between geosites are evident in tourist values. The reason for this is insufficient tourist affirmation and the insufficient availability of tourist infrastructure. With the ecological status, positive values were observed on the geosites, which also differ from one (Raičeva Gora) to 15 points (Gvozdac). In the end, the results obtained are of great scientific importance, and their direct application is in the development of the Tourism Development Strategy in the Kopaonik area.

This paper presents the results of the analyzed trends for three categories of parameters: average annual air temperature (YT), average maximum air temperature (YTx) and average minimum air temperature (YTn) for the Podgorica Meteorological Station in the Republic of Montenegro. The aim of this paper is to present possible climate changes based on the results obtained from the analyzed air temperature trends. The methodology is based on the application of: a) linear trend equations, b) trend magnitudes and c) Mann-Kendall trend test. The data from the respectable meteorological station in Podgorica for the period from 1947 to 2018 were used in order to estimate the trend. The obtained results indicate a statistically significant positive trend for all analyzed time series. Analyzing the trend test hypotheses, it was concluded that in all three cases the Ha hypothesis prevails. Average annual air temperature in Podgorica increased by 1.4°C, average maximum air temperature increased by 2.5°C and average minimum air temperature increased by 0.6°C. In accordance with the trends analyzed, the increase in air temperature is dominant in the capital of the Republic of Montenegro.

Abstract The subjects of this study are hydrogeothermal potentials of Rogozna mountain (Serbia) and possibility of their use. Thermo-mineral springs at the mountain’s foothill are the leftovers from an intensive volcanic activity during the Tertiary. The most famous and the most valuable ones are the springs in Novopazarska Spa, Banjska and in the village of Vuca, with a number of springs yet to be examined. The hydrogeothermal potential of these springs is significant, with the total thermal power of 4.6 MWt and the thermal energy of 145.4 TJ/year, but these could be greatly enlarged through the additional investigation in the interior of Rogozna. It is believed that the primary reservoir lies at the approximate depth of 2 km and that the water temperature is about 120∘C. In the area of Rogozna mountain there are a lot of thermomineral springs (TM) with outlet temperature between 30 and 54∘C. The main goal of this study is to determine the thermo-mineral capacity and energy potential in the area of three spas. This study allows the hypothesis that thermo-mineral springs in the area of Rogozna mountain have large potential. The researched area of Rogozna mountain is insufficiently investigated geo-space, which is rich in thermo-mineral springs. Thermal sources in Rogozna mountain produce heat power of 4.6MWt or 1.4% of heat power given by all the sources in Serbia. The waters of these springs are solely used for balneological and recreational purposes. Yet they could successfully be used in warming and cooling the space, for greenhouses in fruit, vegetable and flower production. In the end, all geospatial data with the help of GIS advanced techniques were digitized and visualized.

There are different views on self-regulation in the learning process, how it has to be monitored, controlled, which are the circumstances and external factors that affect independent learning. Dominant are the opinions in which the self-regulation is treated as interaction of processes related to the personality, behavioural and contextual processes. Special attention has been given to motivational strategies and students? desire to focus on goals. By enabling students to make decisions, set their own goals, make a choice, plan and organize activities, the development of self-learning and student autonomy is being encouraged. If students are given the opportunity of independent activities, effect of self-control in the process of learning and self-regulation becomes more pronounced. The paper will explain the factors that influence the process of self-learning that takes place in regular teaching with the help of map as the basic geographic media.

The characteristics of air temperature or heat mode the air is an important segment of the overall climate and the natural resource factor in the economic development of any place or region. In order to properly determine those, needs is a continuous series of data for at least 25-35 years. As longer as series are, the obtained data are more realistic. Weather Station-observatory "Tvrdjava" in Nis (?-430 20 ', ?-21054', h-201 m), is the only higher-order station in the Nis valley, so, for determining the thermal properties of air, used measurement data from this station, for the period 1950-2009. Based on this 60-year period, analyzed the mean monthly, extreme temperature and annual temperature, the certain temperature thresholds and dates of onset for characteristic temperatures, and analyzed the frequency of occurrence some typical days.