Geospatial analysis of the military trainning area using geographic information systems (GIS)

This study presents a comprehensive geospatial assessment of the Krivolak
Military Training Area through the integration of climatic, pedological, and morphometric
datasets within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework. High-resolution
temperature and precipitation data derived from WorldClim v2.1 (2020–2026), digital
elevation modelling, and soil classification datasets were employed to evaluate spatial
variability and its implications for terrain stability, environmental management, and
military operations. The analysis identified a pronounced precipitation gradient and an
elevation-dependent thermal regime, with mean annual temperatures ranging from -2 °C
to 20 °C and precipitation values between 0 mm and 445 mm. Cambisols represent the
dominant soil type, accompanied by Kastanozems, Luvisols, and localized Calcisols,
forming a heterogeneous pedological structure across the study area. Slope analysis
revealed that more than 40% of the terrain exceeds 30°, indicating increased susceptibility
to runoff generation, soil erosion, and localized instability. The integration of climatic, soil,
slope, and aspect data enabled the identification of environmentally sensitive sectors,
mobility corridors, and terrain obstacle zones relevant to military training and operational
planning. The results provide a geospatially informed baseline that supports risk
assessment, sustainable land management, infrastructure placement, route planning, and
terrain-informed military decision-making within the Krivolak Military Training Area.