SPATIAL PATTERNS OF THE SPREAD OF MINED TERRITORIES AROUND THE WORLD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2721.2026.97.3Keywords:
geographical distribution, humanitarian demining, mined areas, cartographic analysis, spatial analysisAbstract
Background. The issue of mine-contaminated areas remains a global concern and poses a complex set of long-term humanitarian, socioeconomic, and security challenges. As of 2025, the mine threat remains critical for at least 57 countries worldwide, hindering territorial recovery, population mobility, and economic development. At the same time, it directly impacts the achievement of most of the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite a significant body of research, there is a shortage of comprehensive historical-spatial data and global comparative approaches. The aim of this article is to analyze the historical preconditions for the formation of mined territories, identify the spatiotemporal dynamics of their spread, and generalize geographical patterns.
Methods. Humanitarian demining is inherently interdisciplinary. It combines technical, social, security, and spatial approaches. Historical analysis has helped identify the causes of mine contamination, while spatial analysis has revealed patterns of its spread. Cartography and GIS have enabled the identification, visualization, risk assessment, and modeling of hazardous areas on a global scale.
Results. Mined areas are concentrated in post-conflict regions at strategically important locations: mountain passes, bridges, river crossings, and roads. It has been established that the formation of mined areas is determined by a combination of military-tactical, natural-geographical, and socio-infrastructural factors.
The scale of mine contamination is determined by the characteristics of military operations in various historical periods. The dynamic nature of minefields and current trends are demonstrated: a reduction in areas in stable countries and an increase in the technological sophistication of demining. Mined areas form “hotspots” where the risk remains high for decades after conflicts. The spread of mines into new areas is often linked to local conflicts or the activity of insurgent groups. Global dynamics are characterized by both local concentration and a long-term hazard effect.
Conclusions. The combination of historical, dynamic, and spatial analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of mine hazards and enhances the effectiveness of humanitarian demining. Mapping is transformed into a tool for analytical risk management, and the integration of GIS and remote sensing improves the accuracy of assessments and the soundness of decisions. The results obtained form the basis for optimizing demining priorities and supporting the sustainable development of post-conflict territories.
Keywords: geographical distribution, humanitarian demining, mined areas, cartographic analysis, spatial analysis.
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