European Journal of Geography - EJG

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Virtual Field Trip: A study to analyse the raising awareness of biodi-versity loss through biodiversity analyses in Virtual Reality (Institute of Geography, Department of Human-Environment-Research, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany) ---

📗📖✏️ Abstract: Biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to global ecosystems, with human activities driving extinction at an increasing rate. Despite international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Biodiversity Strategy 2030, biodiversity continues to decline. Education about biodiversity is therefore of crucial importance, mainly as part of teacher education. This study examined the effectiveness of Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) in university-based geography teacher education to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. Therefore, two study groups, the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG), participated in a quasi-experimental longitudinal study. The EG carried out a VFT as an intervention in which two different ecosystems in Berlin, Germany, were experienced and analysed in terms of biodiversity. With a pre-test and post-test, we examined if the VFT as an intervention affects the EG. The results show no significant differences between the groups after the intervention. However, high mean values for most of the questionnaire scales can already be found for both groups in the pre-test. Likewise, the EG showed intrinsic motivation after the intervention based on the VFT, indicating its potential in education.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Geography pre-service teachers show a high level of interest in biodiversity and a willingness to act to protect it.
▶️Virtual Reality promotes the student’s intrinsic motivation.

https://eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/article/view/656

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Development of a database structure for the first Geomorphological map of Greece at 1:1,000,000 scale --- by Alexandra Zervakou, Alexandros Petropoulos, Niki Evelpidou, Eirini Zananiri, Giannis Saitis, Evangelos Spyrou, Dionysios Goutis, Hampik Maroukian (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece | Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration, Greece)
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Geomorphological maps offer researchers multiple advantages when studying an area, as they can provide insights into the formation processes of the observed landforms, as well as their possible evolution in the future. The geodatabase seems to be of primary importance, as it determines the way in which the data will be organized and presented on a map, and thus the map’s functionality. There are not specific guidelines for a database for geomorphological maps, as this would be dependent, inter alia, on the scale of the maps. However, up to this day, there is not a single data base template to be used for geomorphological mapping. In each case, the cartographer/geomorphologist determines the number of fields their layers will have and their type, as well as what information they will contain, depending on the scale they are working on, the variety of landforms of their area, the time and resources available (correspondingly, the accuracy their map will have) and the purpose of its creation. Also, while several countries - not only large ones, but smaller ones as well - do have a geomorphological map at national scale, many countries, Greece among them, do not. On the contrary, only parts of them have been mapped by various researchers, who did not share any common database, which renders the combination of the individual maps difficult. But even in countries with existent national geomorphological maps, a specific and common geodatabase structure was not followed. In this way, there is no uniformity in the data and comparisons between maps, as well as combinations of data are very difficult and require a lot of work. Therefore, as we have initiated a project to create the geomorphological map of the Greek territory at 1:1,000,000 scale, we found that, prior to the beginning of the mapping, it was imperative to create a geodatabase template which we intend to follow, and which can be used as a template for geomorphological mapping at national scale by other countries (researchers and/or authorities). Thus, in this paper, we propose a database template to be used in geomorphological mapping at global scale globally, so that the data and structure of maps share common properties, thus allowing for comparisons and combinations of data where necessary.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Proposed database structure for geomorphological mapping at national scales.
▶️Guidelines for geomorphological mapping.
▶️Basis for the geomorphological mapping of Greece at 1:1,000,000-scale.

https://eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/article/view/614

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Tracking Urban Sprawl: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Patterns Using Remote Sensing and GIS --- by Mohammad Raditia Pradana & Muhammad Dimyati (Universitas Indonesia)

📗📖✏️ Abstract: he urban sprawl phenomenon refers to the expansion of urban areas driven by high population growth and migration. A spatio-temporal approach is indispensable in urban sprawl research. Monitoring and evaluating urban sprawl in a region is crucial for controlling drastic environmental changes. Integrated Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies can serve as essential tools for this purpose. The aim of this systematic literature review paper is to gather information on the latest data, methods, and findings to be considered in future urban sprawl research. The PRISMA method was employed, involving filtering from the Scopus database, resulting in 30 papers selected for an in-depth review to address the objectives of this paper. Landsat data remains the preferred choice for monitoring changes due to its extensive historical archive compared to other data sources. Landscape metrics represent a more advanced method com-pared to conventional change detection in quantifying urban sprawl. Other indices and quantifiers are also used to support the quantification of urban sprawl. Two perspectives exist in selecting the study's temporal intervals: consistent and inconsistent, which are adjusted based on the natural characteristics of "change," namely "abrupt" and "gradual." Suggestions for future research include using data with detailed spatial resolution and narrow study intervals while considering the patterns of urban sprawl formation.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Spatio-temporal approach: Vital for understanding urban sprawl dynamics.
▶️Remote Sensing and GIS integration: Key for monitoring and controlling sprawl.
▶️Indices and landscape metrics: Crucial tools for quantifying sprawl change.

Tracking Urban Sprawl: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Patterns Using Remote Sensing and GIS | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 3 (2024): (Issue in progress) Review Article Tracking Urban Sprawl: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Patterns Using Remote Sensing and GIS PDF Mohammad Raditia Pradana, Muhammad Dimyati more info Mohammad Raditia Pradana Department of Geography, Faculty of...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Metacognition and Lexical Complexity in Sketch Mapping – A Secondary Analysis of Think-Aloud Protocols and Sketch Maps --- by Neli Heidari, Nadine Cruz Neri, Knut Schwippert & Sandra Sprenger (Universität Hamburg, Germany | University of Bielefeld, Germany)
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Metacognition, encompassing students’ awareness of their knowledge, regulation of actions, and experiences, is fundamental to both geography education and lifelong learning. Language is key to externalizing internal processes and enabling interaction within a geography classroom. However, there remains a distinct gap in research specifically focusing on students’ abilities in metacognition and language while solving geographical tasks. Therefore, the present study aims to address this gap by researching the role of metacognition and its alignment with lexical complexity and geographical performance in sketch mapping. To achieve this, a qualitative research design was developed. Ten upper secondary students participated in think-aloud protocols while sketching maps of a predefined route within the school area. This methodological approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of how upper secondary students employed metacognitive strategies and exhibited lexical complexity during sketch mapping. The results show a high degree of heterogeneity in metacognitive use, lexical complexity, and sketch map proficiency among participants. Findings indicate that participants’ use of metacognition is significantly aligned with lexical complexity in think-aloud protocols, as well as their performance on sketch maps. Implications for geography education practice are provided at the end of the paper.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Conceptualization of metacognition and lexical complexity in the context of geography education related to sketch mapping.
▶️Highlighting alignments of metacognition, lexical complexity, and map skills through participants’ quoted statements and their sketch maps.
▶️Deriving implications of results in the context of language-aware geography education through macro-scaffolding.

Metacognition and Lexical Complexity in Sketch Mapping – A Secondary Analysis of Think-Aloud Protocols and Sketch Maps | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 3 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Metacognition and Lexical Complexity in Sketch Mapping – A Secondary Analysis of Think-Aloud Protocols and Sketch Maps PDF Neli Heidari , Nadine Cruz Neri , Knut Schwippert, Sandra Sprenger more info Neli Heidari Faculty of Education, Univ...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Comparison and theoretical conceptualization analysis of statistical methods used to develop heat vulnerability indices in urban areas --- by Thomas Lagelouze, Julia Hidalgo, Mitia Aranda & Guillaume Dumas (Université de Toulouse, France | Toulouse Métropole, , France)
📗📖✏️ Abstract: In view of the impact of extreme temperatures on physical and psychological health, particularly in urban areas, several studies have focused on assessing social vulnerability using quantitative indexing approaches with the aim of creating a heat vulnerability index (HVI). In this context, this study employs three statistical methodologies frequently used to construct HVIs on the territory of the Toulouse Métropole, France, at the census block (IRIS) scale to assess the efficiency of this type of approach for evaluating social vulnerability in urban environments considering the current theoretical conceptualization. The three HVIs show the same general trends, with a spatial configuration in which high levels of vulnerability are concentrated in the downtown and suburbs of the Toulouse municipality. Vulnerability gradually decreases away from the urban core, becoming moderate in the inner suburbs and low on the outskirts. However, a spatial analysis of the clusters reveals variability in the boundaries of the vulnerability hotspots. Value class matching indicates that a significant number of census blocks are classified differently according to the method considered. These results raise questions concerning the ability of HVIs to provide reliable vulnerability assessments, given their geostatistical and conceptual limitations. Indexing approaches therefore appear to contradict current theoretical conceptualizations promoting the concept of vulnerability as being complex and multifactorial.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Heat vulnerability indices (HVIs) using three common methodologies are developed.
▶️Numerous census blocks are categorized differently based on the specific HVI used.
▶️Alternative approaches for future vulnerability assessments need to be explored.

Comparison and theoretical conceptualization analysis of statistical methods used to develop heat vulnerability indices in urban areas | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 3 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Comparison and theoretical conceptualization analysis of statistical methods used to develop heat vulnerability indices in urban areas PDF Thomas Lagelouze, Julia Hidalgo, Mitia Aranda, Guillaume Dumas more info Thomas Lagelouze Laboratoire....

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Social construction of geographicity: A vision from humanistic geography --- by Adrián Botello-Mares (El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Mexico)
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Society is a human construct in a continuous historical process, hence, also geographical. The Social is always composed of a temporal and spatial dimension and, therefore, necessarily endowed with historicity and geographicity. According to Dardel (2022), geographicity is the existential connection of the human being with the earth, that is, the spatial experience obtained by the subjective apprehension of the objective world. This article aims to establish a revaluation of the concept of geographicity in the social sciences debate, discerning it as a social construct by considering theoretical foundations from humanistic geography, phenomenology, and the sociology of knowledge, linked as a proposal for an epistemological alternative in the field of theoretical geography itself. The concepts of space, landscape, place, perception of space, material space, conceived space, and lived space are the key concepts that interlace the dialectical relationship between the objective and subjective manifestations of reality, as a way of socially constructing geography. The result is, therefore, the evident epistemic fertility of humanistic geography, presented in this work through the theoretical review regarding a social construction of geographicity.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Geographicity integrates human experience with earth's spatial dimensions.
▶️Phenomenology enriches geographic study by examining subjective space
▶️Social construction of geographicity blends objective space with subjective perception.

Social construction of geographicity: A vision from humanistic geography | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Review Article Social construction of geographicity: A vision from humanistic geography PDF Adrián Botello-Mares more info Adrián Botello-Mares El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Mexico DOI: https://doi.org/10.48088/ejg.a.bot.15.2.147.153 Categories Human Ge...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Exploring Student Perspectives and Practices with Language-Aware Materials in Geography Education: An Exploratory Case Study in a German High School Classroom
--- by Michael Morawski & Panagiota Georgakaki (University of Wuppertal, Germany)
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Developing language-aware teaching materials is increasingly recognized as essential for enhancing both language proficiency and content acquisition in diverse classroom settings. However, understanding which materials students find most beneficial for effectively preparing for A Level exams remains a crucial inquiry. This study addresses this gap through a mixed-methods approach that integrates the creation of language-aware teaching materials, pre- and post-test surveys, and ethnographic observations conducted in two German high school geography classrooms. Students were provided with a range of language-aware materials and empowered to select those they deemed useful for composing localizations within the geography curriculum. The findings reveal that students predominantly utilized checklists, while showing the least engagement with definitions. Moreover, students identified checklists, formulation support, and model texts as particularly helpful for writing localizations in geography, contrasting with perceptions of definitions as less beneficial. Additionally, the study identifies four distinct student typologies characterized by varied approaches and motivations in utilizing language-aware materials. In summary, this research provides insights into developing more inclusive materials tailored to heterogeneous classrooms, offering effective strategies to enhance both language development and content learning in geography education.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Students preferred using checklists, formulation support, and model texts over definitions.
▶️Identification of four student types, differing in their motivation and approaches.
▶️Students requested more feedback on written tasks.

Exploring Student Perspectives and Practices with Language-Aware Materials in Geography Education: An Exploratory Case Study in a German High School Classroom | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Exploring Student Perspectives and Practices with Language-Aware Materials in Geography Education: An Exploratory Case Study in a German High School Classroom PDF Appendices Michael Morawski, Panagiota Georgakaki more info Michael Morawski I...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Promoting technological literacy through virtual game-based field trips: Effects on knowledge, attitudes, and gender
--- by Phillip T. Bengel & Carina Peter (Philipps University Marburg, Germany)

📗📖✏️ Abstract: Virtual field trips in combination with digital game-based learning offer great potential for creating new learning environments, especially for geography education. Those approaches are not only needed to transfer knowledge but also to contribute to creating a more technologically literate society. For the future design of learning spaces and the corresponding professional development of teachers, it is indispensable to learn what the pedagogical advantages and limitations of fully virtual game-based approaches are. For this, it is necessary to know whether purely virtual concepts differ in knowledge transfer from those applied in technology-supported field trips on site. When it comes to promoting technological literacy, additional relevant questions are whether there are influences on participants’ attitudes toward modern technologies and whether there are implied gender effects in this regard. An empirical comparative study of a total of n=110 German high school students was conducted using a survey to answer these questions. Key results are that actual and virtual designs using technology-supported game-based learning approaches can be equally effective in knowledge transfer. Further certain technology-averse attitudes could be identified, which were more prevalent among females than males. This gender gap could be leveled out by the effects of the virtual game-based field trip. Across genders, the levels of aversion were reduced, as well, while affirmative attitudes toward modern technology rose.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Combined DGBL-VFT approach effectively conveys subject-specific knowledge.
▶️VFT fosters technological literacy via participants’ tech attitudes.
▶️Gender gap closed by strong positive effects on females’ attitudes.

Promoting technological literacy through virtual game-based field trips: Effects on knowledge, attitudes, and gender | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Promoting technological literacy through virtual game-based field trips: Effects on knowledge, attitudes, and gender PDF Phillip T. Bengel, Carina Peter more info Phillip T. Bengel Independent Researcher, Germany Bio Author Biography × Dr. ...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Gamification in geography. Use, appropriateness and proposals according to university students in Spain
--- by Sofianos Sofianopoulos, Stefanos Stigas, Efstathios Stratakos, Konstantinos Tserpes, Antigoni Faka & Christos Chalkias (Harokopio University, Greece):
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Noise caused by industrial activities, urban life and traffic has a negative impact on people's health and quality of life. Environmental noise mapping is an important tool to study and address this problem. Through specialized measurement and analysis techniques, it is possible to identify areas at high risk of noise and understand the extent of the problem. This information can be used to develop strategies to protect the population exposed to high noise levels. In this paper, a method for collecting, processing, managing and mapping spatial noise data based on Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and web mapping technologies is presented. The proposed method uses noise pollution data collected from citizens using mobile devices. This includes both on-site measurements and information on users' subjective perceptions, providing a comprehensive picture of the problem. This enables authorities to take into account the individual perceptions and needs of citizens when planning noise mitigation measures, which has not been the case in the inter-national literature to date. To achieve this goal, a prototype of a free and open-source tool called "Noise Pollution" was developed. The proposed methodology and the resulting system are intended to help improve the quality of life in noisy environments and protect the health of citizens. They provide a practical tool for collecting and analyzing noise data and enable the development of noise mitigation strategies for the benefit of the population exposed to high noise levels.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Introduction of a novel method to collect, process, manage, and visualize noise pollution data using Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and web mapping technologies.
▶️Highlighting the unique approach of combining objective noise measurements with citizens' subjective perceptions to gain a comprehensive understanding of noise exposure.
▶️Presentation of the practical application of the developed mobile application on the island of Lemnos, Greece, to demonstrate its potential to improve environmental noise management and enhance citizens' quality of life.

Citizens as Environmental Sensors: Noise Mapping and Assessment on Lemnos Island, Greece, Using VGI and Web Technologies | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Citizens as Environmental Sensors: Noise Mapping and Assessment on Lemnos Island, Greece, Using VGI and Web Technologies PDF Sofianos Sofianopoulos, Stefanos Stigas , Efstathios Stratakos , Konstantinos Tserpes , Antigoni Faka , Christos Cha...

🌍 We’re excited to share the latest Scopus Journal Rankings [2023] for the European Journal of Geography (EJG)!

🌟 CiteScore 2023: 1.4

Highlights:

🏆Cultural Studies: Top 18% – Q1 ( #234 out of 1,304 Journals)
🏆Urban Studies: Top 48% – Q2 ( #132 out of 279 Journals)
🏆Demography: Top 49% – Q2 ( #68 out of 139 Journals)
🏆Geography, Planning and Development: Top 62% – Q3 ( #503 out of 821 Journals)

These rankings highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence and the steadily increasing quality of research our journal consistently publishes.

Thank You! 👏

We couldn't have done this without the amazing support from the European Association of Geographers (EUROGEO), our dedicated members, Advisory Boards, and Reviewers. Most importantly, a huge thanks to our talented and committed Authors. Your hard work and dedication make all the difference.

Scopus Journal Rankings 2023 Are Out! | European Journal of Geography Scopus Journal Rankings 2023 Are Out! 2024-06-08 We’re excited to share the latest Scopus Journal Rankings [2023] for the European Journal of Geography (EJG)! CiteScore 2023: 1.4 Highlights: Cultural Studies: Top 18% – Q1 ( #234 out of 1,304 Journals) Urban Studies: Top 48% – Q2 ( #132 out of 27...

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Gamification in geography. Use, appropriateness and proposals according to university students in Spain
--- by Alvaro-Francisco Morote & María Hernández-Hernández (University of Valencia | University of Alicante, Spain):
📗📖✏️ Abstract: Gamification awakens interest and motivation for teaching Geography. The objective of this study is to analyse the use, appropriateness and proposals according to university students in Spain. Methodologically, we surveyed 125 students (Geography, History, Humanities) in the subject “Geography of the world regions” (2022-2023). The results indicate that both the knowledge of the meaning of gamification and of the learning resources is low. Respondents report a limited use of gamification (56.8% in schools and 55.8% in universities). With respect to the appropriateness of gamification, the opinions are notably positive (for example, serves as an ideal tool to assist students in mastering course materials). However, regarding the student proposals, the half of the participants (52.0%) do not mention any proposals which may limits the application of this innovative technology in the instruction of university level Geography courses.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️Gamification awakens interest and motivation for teaching Geography.
▶️The knowledge of the meaning of gamification and of the learning resources is low.
▶️The appropriateness of gamification is notably positive (assist students in mastering course materials)

Gamification in geography. Use, appropriateness and proposals according to university students in Spain | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Gamification in geography. Use, appropriateness and proposals according to university students in Spain PDF Alvaro-Francisco Morote, María Hernández Hernández more info Alvaro-Francisco Morote University of Valencia María Hernández Hern...

📢 We're thrilled to share that this year, the European Journal of Geography (EJG) is collaborating with the Spatial Humanities 2024 Conference. This prestigious event will take place in Bamberg 🇩🇪, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, in September 2024 (https://www.spathum.uni-bamberg.de/). As part of this partnership, the most intriguing and innovative papers presented at the conference will be reviewed for a special EJG issue edited by 🔲Dr. Seraphim Alvanides (UK), 🔲 Dr. Joana Catarina Vieira Paulino (Portugal) & 🔲 Dr. Alexandros Bartzokas-Tsiompras (Greece).

The Special Issue, titled “Spatial Humanities & Contemporary Geographical Approaches”, aims to explore a variety of themes including (but not limited to):

➡️Gazetteers, Artificial intelligence, Spatial explorations of narratives, literary and imaginary places, GIS and spatial analysis including 3D modeling and spatial statistics, Deep mapping, experiences of places, Territorial representations, transgressions, subalternity and boundaries, Mapping mobility, spatial connections and networks, Linking the map and the text: mixed-method approaches, Geospatial ‘collections as data’, enrichment and annotation, Historical maps and georeferencing, Environmental humanities: landscapes, waterscapes and the blue humanities, Linked Open (Geo)Data, IIIF applications for maps and spatial data, Labs notebooks, workflows and infrastructure, Data mining, visualisation and the challenges of geolocation, Building, mapping and spatially analysing heritage inventories.

We encourage all the invited participants of the conference to submit their full papers (before 🔔 July 25th 2024) and be part of this incredible opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in spatial humanities and geography.

https://eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/announcement/view/17

🔔📣📢📖 EJG PAPER ALERT!
--- Education for sustainable mobility in Slovenia: Using gamification to influence the travel habits of children
--- by Boštjan Rogelj, Tatjana Resnik Planinc, Blaž Repe & Mojca Ilc Klun (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia):

📗📖✏️ Abstract: The ever-increasing mobility of modern society has a number of negative effects on space, the environment, health and quality of life. It is therefore crucial to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable mobility, part of which is effective and comprehensive education of children. The article presents some key findings of the Sustainable Mobility in Preschools and Primary Schools project, carried out in the period 2019–2021. We investigated whether gamified activities can change students' travel habits and whether the change in travel habits is influenced by their age. The study is based on the survey data from 28,043 primary school students (grades 1–9) across 220 schools (77.7% in rural, 22.3% in urban settle-ments). Employing paired-samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance, the study evaluated the impact of gamified activities on travel habits. The results show that children can significantly change their travelling habits with the help of gamification. Although the greatest change in travel habits occurred during the implementation of the activity, the results suggest that more lasting effects can also be achieved. Furthermore, younger participants displayed greater responsiveness to the gamified interventions compared to their older counterparts. This research enhances the corpus of knowledge pertaining to educational strategies for sustainable mobility by providing insights from one of the largest projects to investigate the influence of gamified activities on children's commuting habits.

📣Research Highlights:
▶️More than 28,000 primary school students from 220 schools participated in the research.
▶️Gamification can be used for promotion of sustainable mobility among students.
▶️During the gamified activity, the share of sustainable journeys increased by 20,87 percentage points.
▶️Success of gamified activities depends on the age of students.
▶️Younger children were the most receptive to the gamified activities.

Education for sustainable mobility in Slovenia: Using gamification to influence the travel habits of children | European Journal of Geography Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): (Issue in progress) Research Article Education for sustainable mobility in Slovenia: Using gamification to influence the travel habits of children PDF Supplementary Materials Boštjan Rogelj, Tatjana Resnik Planinc, Blaž Repe, Mojca Ilc Klunun more info Boštjan Rogelj Univers...