Here I present an overview of my master’s and doctoral dissertations respectively defended in 2016 (Sofia University) and 2022 (University of Veliko Tarnovo), Bulgaria.
Doctoral dissertation
Geoecological state of the landscapes in North-Central Bulgaria (between the Osam River and the Yantra River)
Defensed on 8 April 2022 (in Bulgarian)
Department of Geography, Faculty of History, “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” University of Veliko Tarnovo
Research area: 4.4. Earth Sciences
Doctoral program: Physical Geography and Landscape Science
Summary:
The dissertation examines the geoecological state of the contemporary landscapes in North-Central Bulgaria as a leading factor for determining their capacity to provide ecosystem services (ES). To achieve that main objective, a set of 5 tasks was developed, and the results are as follows: (1) the concept has been formulated and the theoretical and methodological foundations of the research have been set; (2) the factors for the formation of the landscapes and for the landscape differentiation have been analyzed, and the potential landscapes have been classified and mapped; (3) the anthropogenic factor in relation to the classification and mapping of modern landscapes has been assessed; (4) a comprehensive assessment of the geoecological state of the landscapes has been carried out; (5) the capacity of the landscapes to provide ES with their geoecological state has been assessed. Scientific literature, statistical and geospatial data such as topographic and thematic maps, satellite multispectral images and photographs from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were used in the process. All available data in combination with route and semi-stationary observations from field research were verified and used in the work at each individual stage. The state of the landscapes has been determined by spatial analysis in GIS, as well as calculation of the NDVI index in SNAP, while the capacity of selected ES has been assessed using two methods – modelling in InVEST, and an expert-based assessment.
Available to read at the National Center for Information and Documentation (NACID), Sofia, Bulgaria, and online:
Master thesis
Contemporary landscapes and opportunities for their forestry development in Strazhata and Melovete (parts of the Central Predbalkan region)
Defensed on 7 July 2016 (in Bulgarian)
Department of Environmental Protection and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of Geology and Geography at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Masters’ program: Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology
Summary:
The research is based on an analysis of the factors for forestry development and defining the most suitable territories for logging. In the course of work, an author’s large-scale map (1:50 000) of contemporary landscapes was carried out and a carto-scheme showing the most suitable forest territories for logging was generated via GIS.
Available to read at the Department of Landscape Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Geology and Geography at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”: