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Volume XV |
GIS and Remote Sensing, Hydrology

Spatial prediction of flood hazard susceptibility level in Majene urban area, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

1,, 2, 2, 2, 1, 3, 2

Abstract: This study models flood hazard susceptibility in the Majene urban area, West Sulawesi, Indonesia, for 2029–2049 using a GIS-based framework. It examines how land cover transformation associated with rapid urban growth and educational infrastructure expansion influences flood risk. A coupled Cellular Automata–Artificial Neural Network (CA–ANN) model was applied to simulate land cover change, while Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was used to assess flood susceptibility. Land cover projections were derived from satellite imagery (2014, 2019, 2024). Validation against observed 2024 land cover produced an overall accuracy of 80.51% and a kappa coefficient of 0.62, indicating substantial predictive performance. Flood susceptibility was evaluated through weighted overlay of six biophysical parameters: land cover, slope, elevation, rainfall, distance to rivers, and soil type. Results indicate continued expansion of built-up and plantation areas, accompanied by reductions in grassland and open land. Susceptibility maps classify the area into low, medium, and high zones. Projections suggest a gradual decline in high-susceptibility areas and expansion of medium-susceptibility zones between 2029 and 2049. This shift is associated with increased vegetation cover from plantation growth, which may enhance infiltration and moderate runoff. The findings demonstrate the dynamic interaction between urban expansion and flood susceptibility, providing spatially explicit evidence to support risk-sensitive spatial planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable land management in rapidly developing coastal cities.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2026.1.3770Dates:
Received: 02-09-2025 Accepted: 12-02-2026 Printed: 30-06-2026 Online: 04-09-2026
Affiliations:
  • 1 Center for Studies on Disasters and Volunteerism, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, Jl. Prof. Dr. Baharuddin Lopa, S.H., Talumung, Majene, West Sulawesi 91412, Indonesia
  • 2 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, Jl. Prof. Dr. Baharuddin Lopa, S.H., Talumung, Majene, West Sulawesi 91412, Indonesia
  • 3 Department of Geography, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, Malang, East Java 65145, Indonesia
Corresponding author:
  • anggit.priadmodjo@unsulbar.ac.id
Author contributions: Conceptualization, RM and AP; methodology, NRS; formal analysis, AP, AM and NFM; investigation, MAE; writing—original draft preparation, RM, NRS and AP; writing—review and editing, AM, NFM and AW. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research was funded by the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, under the Internal Research and Community Service Funding Grant for 2024.Acknowledgements: This paper was authored based on a study report financed by the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, under the Internal Research and Community Service Funding Grant for 2024. The views articulated in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of the funding agency.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XV |
Geomorphology

Geomorphological mapping of steep new vineyard terraces: DJI Mavic 3M vs. Matrice T4 RTK performance with and without GCPs

1,, 2, 2, 2

Abstract: Soil erosion in steep vineyard terraces presents critical environmental challenges that require high-resolution, real-time geomorphological monitoring. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry has revolutionized this field; however, an experimental gap persists regarding the operational need for Ground Control Points (GCPs) when utilizing high-precision Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) systems in extreme geometries. This study provides a rigorous comparative analysis between the DJI Mavic 3M and the DJI Matrice T4 (Thermal) platforms under two georeferencing configurations (RTK-only direct georeferencing vs. RTK+GCP workflows). Both drones were operated under identical parameters: flown on the same day at solar noon, with an 80% longitudinal and lateral image overlap, and at a flight altitude of 40 m above ground level. Four key topographic and soil erosion derivatives were extracted in ArcGIS Pro and statistically compared cell-by-cell using raster calculator algebra: Slope Gradient, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Convergence Index (CI), and the RUSLE LS-factor. The residual analysis revealed an outstanding structural alignment between workflows, with absolute median discrepancies restricted to 0.7° for slope, 0.4 for TWI, and 0.0 for CI. Absolute coordinate tracking across 10 independent checkpoints unveiled that the non-GCP workflow behaves as a perfectly rigid photogrammetric block, introducing an identical systematic translation vector (Delta X= 0.2 m, Delta Y= 5.4 m, Delta Z= -2.8 m) with near-zero standard deviations (approx. 0.1 m) for both platforms. Because neighborhood-cell algorithms remain unaffected by this rigid displacement, the derivative geomorphological maps are morphologically identical. These findings demonstrate that for high-resolution pedogeomorphological monitoring on steep slopes, the internal positioning stability of the DJI D-RTK 3 system successfully eliminates the operational dependency on physical ground control networks. This methodological shift significantly optimizes fieldwork efficiency, safety, and operational costs without compromising scientific rigor.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2026.1.3768Dates:
Received: 06-06-2026 Accepted: 30-06-2026 Printed: 30-06-2026 Online: 04-09-2026
Affiliations:
  • 1 Departamento de Análisis Geográfico Regional y Geografía Física, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
  • 2 Departamento de Análisis Geográfico Regional y Geografía Física, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain & Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
Corresponding author:
  • jesusrc@ugr.es
Author contributions: JG-V: Investigation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. LC-R: Data curation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MTG-M: Data curation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JR-C: Conceptualization, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This work was supported by Project: 101157354 — SOILCRATES; Horizon Europe (HORIZON; AMENDMENT No AMD-101157354-4). Also, parts of this research were funded by a 2021 Leonardo Grant for Researchers and Cultural Creators from the BBVA Foundation, for which we are deeply grateful. We also acknowledge the support from projects granted by the University of Granada within the Plan Propio: (i) PP2022.EI-01, “Caracterizando la degradación ambiental en el viñedo granadino. Un enfoque multidisciplinar a largo plazo utilizando parcelas experimentales y muestreos poblacionales”; 1 (ii) PPJIA2022-58, “Caracterización hídrica del suelo en viñedos para la optimización de recursos agrícolas y ambientales”; and (iii) Proyectos Innovadores 2022–2025 de Grupos Operativos AEI-agri (Andalucía): “Creación de una herramienta DSS (Decision Support System) para el manejo sostenible del suelo en viticultura.” This research was also supported by the SOSVITI project—Sustainable Soil Management Decision Support System in Viticulture, funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges action within Horizon Europe 2030.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XV |
Various

The impact of using Google Earth Pro on the development of geography-specific competencies in different educational contexts

1,, 2, 2

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to analyse the impact of using the Google Earth Pro application on the development of Geography-specific competences among lower secondary school students. The experiment on teaching geography with Google Earth Pro was conducted simultaneously in two different educational environments, in Belgium and Romania. The study was designed as an experimental model with a pre-test and post-test applied to the entire sample, which consisted of an experimental group and a control group.
The research follows a mixed-methods approach, as the data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The statistical analysis involved the application of nonparametric tests to compare the median distribution (Mann-Whitney U test), frequency, and means between groups, as well as the calculation of the effect size (Cohen’s d) for each item.
The statistical tests validated all three research hypotheses: (1) the use of Google Earth Pro produced a significant change in the formation of Geography-specific competences; (2) Google Earth Pro had a significant impact on the development of geographical competences among lower secondary students; and (3) the effect size of the intervention—teaching geography with Google Earth Pro—was statistically significant in shaping these competences.Google Earth Pro influenced the development of competences such as the interpretation of graphic representations, the ability to construct explanatory arguments, and spatial skills in both samples (Belgian and Romanian). The comparative analysis of the two samples from Belgium and Romania, belonging to different educational contexts, revealed some differences regarding the level of spatial skill formation—Belgian students encountered greater difficulties in developing this ability. The competence of constructing explanatory arguments was better developed within the Romanian experimental group.

Keywords: , , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2026.1.3765Dates:
Received: 27-03-2026 Accepted: 30-06-2026 Printed: 30-06-2026 Online: 04-09-2026
Affiliations:
  • 1 University of Mons, Department of Education and Learning Sciences, Mons, Belgium & Technical College “Dimitrie Ghika”, Comănești, Romania & Bacău County School Inspectorate, Bacău, Romania
  • 2 University of Mons, Department of Education and Learning Sciences, Mons, Belgium
Corresponding author:
  • marioarapascu1@gmail.com
Author contributions: Conceptualization, MP and ND; methodology, MP and NP; validation, MP; formal analysis, MP; investigation, MP and NP; writing—original draft preparation, MP; writing—review and editing, MP and ND; supervision, ND. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This paper is an output of the science project COLABTEACH, supported by an Marie Skłodowska Curie Action -H2020 – MSCA COFUND C2W, Grant from European Commission, grant number 101034383.Acknowledgements: Grateful thanks are given to the reviewers and editors who have helped shape this document to be readable for its audience, to all collaborating teachers who contributed to this research.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XV |
Human and economic geography, Various

The role of geographic and socio-demographic factors in socio-cultural adaptability of international students

1,

Abstract: International students constitute a temporary population within the host country. In the age of increasing global mobility, societal fluidity, and the internationalization of higher education, studying abroad requires complex adaptation to new academic and socio-cultural environments. Focusing on the Serbian context, this paper examines the relations between international students’ geographic and socio-demographic characteristics and changes in various aspects of their lives and personalities following their experiences abroad, particularly as influenced by socio-cultural adaptation and cross-cultural interaction. Data were collected using Limesurvey. Statistical analyses included a series of t-tests and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings are interpreted within the frameworks of acculturation theory and cross-cultural adaptation theory.
The results indicate that most respondents view studying abroad as transformative, with nearly half reporting significant personal change. Geographic factors, such as country and continent of origin, and socio-demographic characteristics, including sex, age, education level attaining abroad, and length of stay, influence both the nature and extent of these changes following their study abroad experiences.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2026.1.3763Dates:
Received: 25-03-2026 Accepted: 07-06-2026 Printed: 30-06-2026 Online: 04-09-2026
Affiliations:
  • 1 Institute of Social Sciences, Centre for Demographic Research, Kraljice Natalije 45, Belgrade, Serbia
Corresponding author:
  • vlukic@idn.org.rs
Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, GRANT No 1434, IS-MIGaIN, and was written as part of the 2026 Research Program of the Institute of Social Sciences with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XV |
Various

Bibliometric analysis of forced migration

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Abstract: This bibliometric analysis systematically examines the evolution of scientific research on forced migration between 1974 and 2025. Using data extracted from the Scopus database and processed through the Bibliometrix package in R, the study investigates publication trajectories, international collaboration patterns, and thematic developments across five decades. The analysis aims to identify major research areas, influential authors and institutions, and emerging conceptual directions within this geographically diverse field. Results indicate a steady and substantial growth in scholarly output, with an annual growth rate of 9.41% and an average of 15.56 citations per document, reflecting the increasing global relevance of displacement as a social, political, and humanitarian challenge. Collaboration networks show strong academic linkages among Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, although notable regional disparities persist, particularly in areas heavily affected by displacement but underrepresented in academic production. Thematic clustering and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) reveal three dominant research fields, including determinants and governance of migration, humanitarian responses and conflict induced displacement, and typologies and trajectories of forced migration. These findings clarify the field’s conceptual landscape and emphasize the need for broader international engagement and increased research contributions from understudied regions. The analysis offers a structured foundation for future investigations and supports the development of more informed and context sensitive approaches to understanding contemporary displacement dynamics.

Keywords: , , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2026.1.3761Dates:
Received: 15-05-2026 Accepted: 30-06-2026 Printed: 30-06-2026 Online: 04-09-2026
Affiliations:
  • 1 Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Doctoral School of Geosciences, Carol I Boulevard, No. 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania
  • 2 Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Carol I Boulevard, No. 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania
Corresponding author:
  • lucianbratu99@gmail.com
Author contributions: Conceptualization, methodology, data curation, writing, LB; supervision, review, IM. All authors have read and agreed to the published.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
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