Geographia Polonica (2013) vol. 86, iss. 3

Abstract

This paper is the result of research on the contemporary diversity of socio-spatial structures in medium-sized cities in the coastal zone of Poland (Pomerania), using the cities of Lębork, Szczecinek and Wałcz as case studies. The main focusof the research is on demographic changes and population movement and on an increase in the spatial segregation ofcertain social groups which seems to result from the latter changes, particularly of the unemployed and the impoverished. The research also discusses social problems and changes in the quality of life which may be connected with the preceding changes. An attempt is made to encapsulate some of the main features of the new socio-spatial patterns which have emerged over the last two decades in a model of medium sized towns in this region.

Keywords: socio-spatial structures, intra-urban space, medium-sized cities, Pomerania, Lębork, Szczecinek, Wałcz

Wioletta Szymańska, Pomeranian University in Słupsk Institute of Geography and Regional Studies Partyzantów 27, 76-200 Słupsk: Poland

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the urban network in Poland in 2010 based on the statistical method of hierarchical clustering with the aim of identifying historical regional networks of settlements. Mathematically derived clusters were compared with the historical borders of Poland. As a result of the study, regions were identified whose cluster shapes correspondedto the borders of historical provinces. While analysing Poland’s historical divisions and its urban network, usewas also made of the river network, demonstrating which rivers have played the role of a barrier or are a key determinantbehind the development of regional settlement networks.

Keywords: urban network, cities and towns, clustering, historical geography, GIS, Poland

Iwona Jażdżewska, University of Łódź Faculty of Geographical Sciences Kopcińskiego 31, 90-142 Łódź: Poland

Abstract

Peripheral regions on the state border are among the most problematic areas of Czechia (the Czech Republic). The specialcase of the Javorník micro-region which is physically open to and historically anchored within Polish Lower Silesia was chosen as a study area. The question of possible substitution of a peripheral position in the national context by crossborder collaboration was posed, and it is shown that certain potential for this kind of collaboration exists, in the face of already-intensifying cross-border contacts, albeit with relations with Czech ’inland’ areas remaining closer than the cross-border tendencies thus far.

Keywords: periphery, Czech-Polish borderland, rural development, Javorník

Antonin Vaishar, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geonics, Branch Brno Drobneho 28, 602 00 Brno, Czechia
Jana Zapletalova, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geonics, Branch Brno Drobneho 28, 602 00 Brno, Czechia
Věra Hubačíková, Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1, 61300 Brno: Czechia
Petr Dvořák, Institute of Geonics Ostrava, Branch Brno Czech Academy of Sciences Drobného 28, 60200 Brno: Czechia

Abstract

The authors used a division of Poland into physical-geographical regions to present diversity in terms of land cover, and to distinguish a typology of natural units (mesoregions), in terms of both the nature of the said cover in 2006, and changes in that cover over the two time intervals 1990-2000 and 2000-2006. Individual mesoregions were assigned to the different types in regard to the two periods, this making it possible to illustrate the regional distribution of land-cover changes in Poland, with account taken of stability on the one hand, or changes as regards trends on the other. The results obtained may provide objective premises for the selection of representative spatial units in geographical, as well as landscape orecological, research.

Keywords: land-cover changes, division into physical-geographical regions, regional divisions, Corine Land Cover, Poland

Damian Łowicki [damek@amu.edu.pl], Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences Dzięgielowa 27, 61-680 Poznań: Poland
Andrzej Mizgajski, Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences Dzięgielowa 27, 61-680 Poznań: Poland

Abstract

Cultural landscape can be treated as an iconographic representation of regional history. Landscape preserves traces of magnates’ aspirations regarding spatial domination and the delimitation of their territorial borders. These are the traces of inspiration and of ways in which to exercise power, evidence of their intentions to predominate, of their wish to obtainblind obedience, as well as to stir up envy and demonstrate distinctiveness. This paper has therefore sought to determine which features of authorities and of owners are discernible in the cultural landscapes of Poland.

Keywords: marks of branding, cultural landscape, Poland

Joanna Plit [plitjo@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Abstract

The map presents the geography of housing supply in Warsaw during the years 2002-2012. The paper presents the main actors and trends in the Warsaw’s housing market with special attention directed to spatial implications of new housing development. Used unique data for the detailed location of housing investitions in Warsaw.

Keywords: post-socialist city, housing supply, urban growth, developers, Warsaw

Marcin Stępniak [stepniak@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Maximilian Mendel, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Piotr Eberhardt [p.ebe@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland