THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOINFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

ABSTRACT

This article provides an in-depth analysis of current environmental problems observed in major cities of Uzbekistan, particularly in the city of Tashkent. The acceleration of urbanization processes, population growth, and the expansion of construction and infrastructure exert significant pressure on the natural environment. At the same time, the sharp increase in the number of vehicles leads to higher levels of air pollution, which negatively affects public health. The expansion of industrial enterprises contributes to an increase in waste volumes. Climate change is also an important factor that complicates the environmental situation. The article highlights the importance of GIS technologies in environmental monitoring, analysis, and management, and substantiates their effectiveness in ensuring environmental safety.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной статье проведён глубокий анализ актуальных экологических проблем, наблюдаемых в крупных городах Узбекистана, особенно в городе Ташкент. Ускорение процессов урбанизации, рост численности населения, расширение строительства и инфраструктуры оказывают значительное давление на природную среду. В то же время резкое увеличение количества транспортных средств приводит к росту уровня загрязнения воздуха, что негативно сказывается на здоровье населения. Расширение промышленных предприятий способствует увеличению объёмов отходов. Изменение климата также является важным фактором, усложняющим экологическую ситуацию. В статье особо подчёркивается значение ГИС-технологий в экологическом мониторинге, анализе и управлении, а также обосновывается их эффективность в обеспечении экологической безопасности.

Keywords: GIS technologies, environmental safety, air pollution, PM2.5, urbanization, environmental monitoring, satellite data.

Ключевые слова:  ГИС-технологии, экологическая безопасность, загрязнение воздуха, PM2.5, урбанизация, экологический мониторинг, спутниковые данные.

Introduction

Environmental problems in the major cities of Uzbekistan are becoming more serious by the day. As a result of rapid industrialization, intensifying urbanization, and population growth, the impact on the environment is increasing. According to 2023 statistics, more than 64% of Uzbekistan's population lives in urban areas, which further complicates environmental issues. Cities are becoming saturated with industrial waste, transport pollution, and other refuse, significantly deteriorating air quality. In Tashkent alone, the amount of harmful gases emitted by motor transport exceeded 200,000 tons in 2022, leading to an increase in toxic substances in the atmosphere.

Materials and methods

The territory of Uzbekistan is considered one of the ecologically complex geographical regions. In recent decades, factors such as the Aral Sea environmental tragedy, the depletion of water resources, soil degradation, desertification, atmospheric air pollution, and the intensification of climate change have posed a serious threat to ecological security [3]. In today's context, the application of GIS technologies in Uzbekistan is a crucial condition for modernizing environmental management and ensuring sustainable development. The role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies is incomparable in the in-depth analysis and rapid monitoring of the aforementioned processes. GIS has the capacity to collect, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data, serving as an effective instrument in ensuring ecological security [2].

The main capabilities of GIS technologies in ecological security include:

Monitoring the state of the environment. Through GIS technologies, continuous observation of air, water, and soil quality is conducted. For example: determining the level of atmospheric pollution, comparing chemical indicators in water bodies across different periods, and mapping the concentration of heavy metals or pesticides in the soil. Integration with satellite data allows the monitoring process to be carried out much faster and more accurately [3]."

Identification of ecological hazard zones. Using GIS, various risk factors—such as industrial enterprises, waste landfills, areas with a high risk of landslides, mudflow paths, and seismically active zones—are spatially analyzed to create hazard level maps. This is of great importance in planning ecological security strategies [6].

Predicting and preparing for natural disasters. GIS technologies are utilized for modeling water flow in areas prone to mudflows or flooding, assessing the consequences of earthquakes, and determining the potential directions of fire spread. This yields effective results in preventing catastrophic disasters or mitigating their damage [4].

Assessing the impact of climate change. GIS technologies allow for the spatial analysis of factors such as changes in temperature and precipitation resulting from climate change, desertification processes, the melting of glaciers, and the depletion of water resources.

Results and discussions

As the political, economic, and cultural center of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is among the most densely populated regions. The sharp increase in population, the growing number of vehicles, industrial activities, urban expansion, and the reduction of green spaces are having a negative impact on the ecological environment. Furthermore, according to statistical data in a World Bank report, air pollution in Tashkent causes more than 3,000 premature deaths annually. The report notes that the damage to public health is estimated at $488.4 million. It is also highlighted that 83 percent of the capital's population lives in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Primary pollutants, especially during the winter months, are significantly higher than international standards. The average annual level of pollution in the capital is six times higher than the level recommended by the WHO (6 mkg/m³). This causes serious damage to both public health and the urban economy. According to estimates, the damage caused by air pollution could account for 0.7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The main sources of PM2.5 air pollution in Tashkent are the heating sector (28%), transport (16%), and industry (13%). Road dust resuspension (the process of fine dust particles previously settled on the road surface rising back into the air) and urban dust generated by construction activities account for 18% of the total annual volume of anthropogenic PM2.5 emissions in Tashkent [7].

Figure 1. Anthropogenic PM2.5 emissions in Tashkent city.

To resolve these problems, it is crucial to observe the ecological situation in real-time and to accurately map and forecast pollution sources. It is in these processes that GIS technologies emerge as the most effective tool.

Through the application of GIS technologies, we can achieve the following in managing Tashkent's ecology:

Improving air quality monitoring. Using GIS, data regarding PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂, and other pollutants arriving from sensors installed across the city are mapped in real-time. This allows for the identification of pollution hotspots, tracking of seasonal variations, and the designation of areas that pose a risk to public health.

Precise spatial identification of pollution sources. Using GIS, layers representing traffic congestion, industrial enterprises, construction sites, the location of heating systems, and road dust resuspension are analyzed. Consequently, the specific share and regional distribution of pollution sources are accurately determined [5].

Designation of ecological hazard zones. With the help of GIS technology, the most polluted areas, urban heat islands, neighborhoods with poor ventilation, and zones posing a threat to populations living near industrial sites are identified. This enables the establishment of ecological security measures based on regional principles.

Conclusion

Ensuring ecological security in Tashkent is one of the most pressing tasks of the present day. PM2.5 particles, transport emissions, industrial waste, and construction dust pose a serious threat to the health of the city's population. To improve this situation, it is essential to conduct in-depth analysis of ecological processes, maintain monitoring, and make correct management decisions. To this end, GIS technologies serve as a key strategic tool in Tashkent's ecological security system. GIS provides a scientific foundation for air quality monitoring, identification of hazard zones, environmental forecasting, transport optimization, and the development of urban greening policies.

References:

1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-158 dated September 11, 2023, On the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy.
2. Buriyev S. "Ecology and Environmental Protection." Textbook. Innovation-Ziyo Publishing House, Tashkent, 2020, 232 pages.
3. Zhumakulova Z. B. "Fundamentals of Environmental Protection and Ecology." Textbook. Omadbek Print Number One Publishing House, 2025, 176 pages.
4. Karshibaeva I. K. "Ecology and Nature Conservation." Textbook. Tashkent, Innovation-Ziyo Publishing House, 2024, 308 pages.
5. Sattorov Z. M. "Ecology." Textbook. Tashkent: «ZEBO PRINT», 2022, 332 pp.