Maria Górska-Zabielska

High-altitude kite aerial photography

Abstract Kite aerial photography (KAP) is a low-cost means to acquire large-scale, low-height, high-resolution aerial imagery. It is commonly practiced at low altitude for geological, environmental, and many other scientific applications. The method has been used much less at higher altitudes above 1000 m, however. We present examples of high-altitude KAP from the High Plains and Rocky Mountains in the United States and the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Poland. Based on these experiences, we find that KAP is feasible in the altitude range ∼1000–2500 m, particularly for those places that are relatively open and have semiarid climates. Such sites include high plains, mountain forelands, and broad intermontane valleys. Mountains, in contrast, have more frequent cloud cover, experience highly variable wind, and often have poor access, which lead to more difficult KAP conditions. Above 2500 m altitude, low air density becomes a significant limitation for kite flying. High-altitude KAP is a means to portray landscape elements and details from vantage points that would be difficult or impossible to achieve by other methods of small-format aerial photography.

Potential Values of Urban Geotourism Development in a Small Polish Town (Pruszków, Central Mazovia, Poland)

Abstract The paper presents abiotic resources which are located in a small town in central Poland. They remain unknown to authorities and inhabitants. For the first time they are illustrated in a scientific paper. The objects of local geological heritage point to geodiversity of this district town in the south-western Mazovia. When the geodiversity is interpreted in a simple, an understandable way, it may become attractive for tourists. We show how abiotic resources located within an urban area can be used to support urban geotourism development. The scientific, educational and aesthetic values of these resources may create the town image in accordance with the principles of environmental protection.

Geotourism Development in an Urban Area based on the Local Geological Heritage (Pruszków, Central Mazovia, Poland)

Abstract The chapter presents the different abiotic resources of Pruszkow that show evidence of geodiversity in this district town located in central Mazovia, Poland. Some of the objects described are certain to become urban geotourist points of interest. Unfortunately, the municipal authorities and also the inhabitants are unaware of the scientific, educational, and aesthetic value of these resources. That is why they remain unused in the sustainable development of the district and town as well as in the creation of the town’s image. The chapter suggests that some abiotic elements of nature in Pruszkow should be adapted for touristic purposes in accordance with the principles of environmental protection.

Geotourism Potential of the Drawskie Lake District as a Support for the Planned Geopark named Postglacial Land of the Drawa and Dębnica Rivers

Abstract The geotourism potential of ten geosites, occurring within the Drawskie Lake District, north-western Poland, was evaluated to demonstrate the need for the establishment of a geopark named “Postglacial land of the Drawa and Dębnica rivers”. Each site was investigated in respect of its scientific (geological and geomorphological), educational, economic, conservation, and added values. It has been found that two geosites, being also cultural heritage sites (Drahim Castle and Pottery Settlement in Sikory), have the greatest geotourism potential. Different aspects of inanimate nature are promoted in both geosites. Thanks to the existence of such objects there is a good chance for the successful development of geotourism, which is a tool for the sustainable socio-economic development of the region.

Walory geoturystyczne miasta na przykładzie Pruszkowa

In the urbanized area of Pruszkow there are objects of geological and geomorphological heritage, i.e. objects of inanimate nature. They include glacier-originated relief and deposits: Pliocene clays, till, Scandinavian boulders and water. Their considerable differentiation proves geodiversity of this city, lying in south-western Mazovia. Some of them have potential to become geotouristic attractions of this region. Unfortunately, the city authorities, and consequently the city residents are not aware of the value of these assets. The lack of dissemination of knowledge about the less known natural resources causes that they remain unused in the sustainable development of the municipality and the city, as well as in shaping the image of the city.