CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF THE TERRITORY OF THE SMOLENSK REGION IN THE PERIOD BEFORE 1939

Aim. We analyze the historical course of changes in the administrative and territorial division of the territory of the Smolensk region as a border region with Belarus in the period before 1939. Methodology. The main research methods used in the work are analysis of literary, statistical and cartographic sources (atlases, published maps from cartographic online catalogues), as well as cartographic modeling. To this end, historical maps were linked to a modern digital base, and configuration and area changes were analyzed. The study is based on the cartographic method that uses maps for scientific and practical knowledge of the objects, phenomena and processes depicted on them. The analysis of historical maps made it possible to trace the territorial transformations of the region over three centuries and to assess the qualitative and quantitative changes in the borders of the Smolensk region. Results. The history of mapping the Smolensk region has been studied, which made it possible to carry out cartographic modeling of changes in the administrative and territorial division of the region, as a border region with Belarus. Changes in borders of the Smolensk province and region are key information for analysis of socio-economic development of the region. In order to understand the situation today, it is important to realize that Smolensk has long been an area with a complex history of territory formation. The periodization of changes in the administrative structure of the territory indicates alternating stages of consolidation and unbundling of territorial units. Between these stages, as a rule, long phases of stable equilibrium are clearly distinguished. The configuration of the borders and the area of the territory of the Smolensk region underwent changes, and the modern administrative and territorial division partly bears the imprint of reorganizations over three centuries. Research implications. This study of the territory of the Smolensk region is the first one to our knowledge. A qualitative assessment is given of the cartographic representation of the territory and of the cyclicality of the economic and political-geographical location. The Smolensk region has changed its status several times, which has had an impact on the economic and social order. An analysis of the historical background is the key to understanding the importance of the Smolensk region as a geopolitical frontier of the west of the country. The results will help identify an algorithm for how the border regions should react to the change in technological structures, and what place they should take in the new economic conditions. These results obtained could be useful in formulating a strategy for the socio-economic development of the region.

Smolensk region, Smolensk province, Russian-Belarusian border area, change of borders, cartographic analysis, administrative and territorial division

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