Abstract:
The aim of the work is to develop a method of landscape dynamics under anthropogenic impact.
The developed methodology is tested on the territory of Kostanay region, which is one of the main regions
of mining industry development, with a focus on iron ore mining and crop production. Space images and
field survey results are used as input materials. In general, the work consists of the following six stages: the
first stage includes the selection and processing of space images, the second stage includes the calculation
of indices based on data from different channels of space images, the third stage includes field work aimed
at collecting information for verification of the obtained results on the basis of RS data, the fourth stage
includes the calculation of range values, the fifth stage comprises verification of the obtained indices, and the
final sixth stage deals with calculation of the integral index of landscape degradation degree and analysis of
landscape dynamics under anthropogenic impacts. The calculation of the integral indicator of the degree of
degradation of the natural environment of the Kostanay region, based on the degradation of each indicator
in the conditions of anthropogenic impact, allowed for identification of landscapes with different degrees
of degradation (from weak to very strong). The research confirmed that landscapes with a high degree of
degradation under anthropogenic impact are confined to semi-desert landscapes in the south of the study
region. The degradation of these landscapes is associated not only with anthropogenic impacts but also with
natural and climatic features that influence the development of landscape pollution processes. On the contrary,
landscapes with a weak degree of degradation correspond to the forest-steppe and steppe zones, characterized
by a high level of economic development and resistance to anthropogenic impacts. The verification of the
obtained indicators by the values of the remaining 25% of field points determines the reliability of the obtained
results, ranging from 87% to 92%, confirming the correct choice of methods and techniques for obtaining
the results, especially the choice of field methods and vegetation and non-vegetation indices for assessing
the selected indicators. Subsequently, based on the verified map of degradation of the natural environment,
created through space monitoring for a certain period, it is possible to forecast the functioning of the natural
environment in the conditions of anthropogenic impact.
