Mapping subregional types of population dynamics of Irkutsk region

Abstract

In the article the results of research of specifics of digital mapping of spatial and temporal dynamics of the population in a sparsely populated region (on the example of Irkutsk region). The study area is mainly inhomogeneously populated, with a sparse network of settlements (mainly spatially contiguous). The exception is the south territory along the Trans-Siberian Railway. To identify subregional and local characteristics of distribution of the population, the famous dazimetric method of V.P. Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky was used (adjusted for the features of sparsely populated regions). The boundaries of the areal inhabited territory are defined by the method of spots with a buffer radius of 3 km from the borders of populated locality. The overlapping spots, form a solidly populated space, from which depart linear-band elements of settlement, formed on the base of settlements dislocated along the paths of old communications (rivers and roads). The article presents a geoinformation methodology for collecting and processing available statistical data about population movement. In contrast to usual mapping, the calculation of general population dynamics, growth component and subsequent mapping were implemented not in municipal districts, urban and rural settlements, but within localities and settlement areas formed by them, ignoring official boundaries. The mapping allowed to identify patterns and detailing of the dynamics of the population considering the features of real distribution of the population in Irkutsk region. There is a discrepancy between the tendencies of demographic and economic development. The growth of resource complex comes at the expense of the northern periphery of the region, and the general direction of the population system development—growth of demographic potential around the regional center in conditions of depopulation of the periphery. The experience of mapping subregional types of population dynamics in Irkutsk region can be used in mapping similar regions.