GIS Odyssey Journal

ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE VEGETATION COVER IN THE CLIMATE CHANGE ERA USING GEOSPATIAL DATA AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES: A CASE STUDY OF KHINIS, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ

Diman Zuhair Jacksi — 2026-05-23

The spatiotemporal changes of vegetation in the Khinis area, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, were investigated using satellite images (Landsat and Sentinel) between 1977 and 2021. Based on its historical and ecological significance, this study investigates land cover and natural resources condition changes. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated using remote sensing and GIS, and the statistics were evaluated in the Statgraphics Centurion. The result showed a decrease in vegetation cover. Increased vegetation was seen during wet years, while decreased vegetation was observed for sparse vegetation (desert) during dry years. Moreover, seasonally, spring had a moderate vegetation increase while winter and summer exhibited minimum and lower values respectively based on Sentinel data. The analysis of vegetation indices suggests that the vegetation in the study area is declining as a result of climate and anthropogenic factors, which implies that effective conservation and sustainable development management are needed to prevent and reduce land degradation of the Khinis area, which is part of its rich natural and cultural heritage.

MANAGEMENT BY … (MANY): EVOLUTION OF THE WEG MODEL FROM DRUCKER TO THE SCALABLE 21ST CENTURY

Tihomir Luković — 2026-05-23

This study examines the evolution of Management by Objectives (MBO) from Drucker (1954) through Deyhle’s WEG model (1980) to the concept of Management by… (many) as a scalable approach for VUCA environments. The research focuses on extending Deyhle’s five mechanisms (Objectives, Participation, Delegation, Exception, Results) into ten modules (including Time, Risk, Sustainability, Customer), illustrated through a case study of mangulica pig production. The limitation of the original WEG model lies in its rigidity when applied to complex value chains. The case highlights operational challenges such as yield efficiency (80%), low mortality (<2%), time constraints (Christmas 2027), and sustainability targets (CO₂ <2 t per pig). Traditional reactive controlling is insufficient, while modern approaches require adaptive, situation-specific management (“each situation has its own Management by…”). Methodologically, the study combines desk research with a case study, expanding the WEG cycle (Goals→Paths→Design→Results) into ten mechanisms. Results confirm strong performance (profit margin >20%, NPS >85, blockchain traceability for EU PDO certification). The main contribution is the formulation of Management by… (many) as a dynamic extension of the WEG model, relevant for SMEs. The hypothesis is confirmed: WEG evolves with context. Future research includes pilot validation (2027) and software development.

INTEGRATING GIS AND CYBERSECURITY: SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK AND RESILIENCE

Gokhan Balik — 2026-05-23

As digital networks become increasingly intertwined with physical infrastructure, cybersecurity must account for location, interdependence, and operational context. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a valuable framework by integrating spatial, attribute, and temporal data within a single analytical environment. This article presents a structured literature review of GIS-enabled cybersecurity research, focusing on critical infrastructure, smart cities, and resilience planning. The review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies, technical standards, and selected institutional materials to examine how GIS supports threat visualization, vulnerability assessment, dependency mapping, situational awareness, governance, and risk communication. The review suggests that GIS is most valuable where cyber risk has clear spatial, infrastructural, and operational dimensions, particularly in critical infrastructure protection and urban cyber-physical systems. However, the evidence base remains uneven. Visualization and situational awareness applications are relatively mature, while ontology-based modeling, blockchain-based trust, and some AI-driven functions remain emerging and require further operational validation. The article also argues that GIS platforms should be treated as strategic digital assets requiring dedicated cybersecurity protection and concludes with implications for secure GIS governance and future research on geospatially informed resilience frameworks.